Sociological Theories II

Code: SOC02408L

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours

Scientific Area: Sociology

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Presentation

The UC offers the great contemporary sociological theoretical formulations without any exclusion.

Sustainable Development Goals

1. Erradicar a pobreza - Acabar com a pobreza em todas as suas formas, em todos os lugares

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

5. Igualdade de género - Alcançar a igualdade de gênero e empoderar todas as mulheres e meninas.

8. Trabalho digno e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

10. Reduzir as desigualdades - Reduzir as desigualdades dentro dos países e entre eles.

16. Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes - Paz, justiça e instituições eficazes promover sociedades pacíficas e inclusivas par ao desenvolvimento sustentável, proporcionar o acesso à justiça para todos e construir instituições eficazes, responsáveis
e inclusivas em todos os níveis.

Learning Goals

The course aims to present concise and systematically the main paradigms of sociological thought. It is intended that students acquire the following specific skills:
1 - ability to identify assumptions and main outlines of the paradigms and theories of the sociological analysis
2 - ability to relate different analysis of social reality with the paradigms and theories that support them

Introduction: multiparadigmatic and synthesis paradigms
I. Schools and developments in the twentieth century
1. Critical Theory (Frankfurt School)
2. Symbolic interactionism and the Chicago School
3. Functionalism and Structural Functionalism
II. Reformulations and Synthesis Paradigms
1. Pierre Bourdieu and the theory of practice
2. Anthony Giddens and the theory of structuration
III. Recent trends and problems

Teaching Methods

The classes are theoretical and practical and are organized into three formats: 1) oral presentations of the program content, using national and international reference bibliography; 2) illustrative classes based on the reading and interpretation of excerpts from reference works, discussion of concepts, critical reviews, didactic exercises, and the use of digital content. The use of podcasts, video lectures on digital platforms, and other audiovisual resources is valued as pedagogical tools for illustrating content and animating learning; 3) presentations and oral discussions of work developed by students in groups. Throughout the semester, students autonomously, but with tutoring guidance, carry out a group project on a reference book that, recognized nationally and/or internationally, offers an exemplary contribution to contemporary sociological theories. To this end, teacher provides a selected list of books representative of the theoretical plurality of sociology, but other books proposed by students may be added to the list. Each group develops a work of reading, interpreting, and critically analyzing one of the books, contextualizing it in light of the paradigmatic plurality of sociology, the theoretical controversies it raises, and its critical reception by the academic community. This work is the subject of an oral presentation in and discussion with the teacher and the class. In addition to classes, students can clarify doubts and request in-person (in the office) or distance (via email or videoconference) tutoring during office hours or at another time by appointment via email. The main bibliography is available on Moodle, as well as summaries of classes and other teaching materials used by the teacher in class. Other additional bibliographic references may be suggested in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish, depending on the profile, requests, and specific interests that students demonstrate in readings on specific topics.

Assessment

Students can choose between continuous assessment or final assessment. In the continuous assessment system, students complete the following assessment elements: 1) Group work, with a weighting of 50% towards the final grade; 2) Individual work, with a weighting of 50% towards the final grade. The group work consists of an oral presentation and in-class discussion of a book chosen by the group from a list provided previously, based on reading, interpretation, and critical analysis of the theoretical perspective in which the book is situated. Tutorial guidance will be provided on the objectives of the work and the research to be developed. At the end of the semester, the group produces a portfolio or digital content in video or podcast format that reflects the results of the reading, research, and critical reflection produced on the book. Individual work consists of submitting a report on the classes at the end of the semester. This report must be simultaneously descriptive, critical, and reflective on the content covered and the learning achieved in at least 12 classes. Mid-semester, students submit a preliminary report that will be subject to qualitative evaluation, with a view to continuous improvement until the final version is submitted. In the final assessment system, students undertake the following assessment element: 1) A written, individual, closed-book exam, weighted at 100% of the final grade.