Sociology is, overall, a way of seeing and analyzing the world. It is an eclectic field, encompassing multiple—sometimes contradictory—perspectives, theories and methods. But all sociology shares one fundamental idea: we experience the world in the context of relationships: with individuals, in groups and communities as
well as society writ large. Our relationships allow us to make sense of the world and to take action within it.
The weeks are arranged in two main sections. The first part of the course introduces fundamental sociological concepts such as the social construction of reality, norms, identity, deviance, stratification among others. The second half of the course turns to topical areas in which these concepts are applied: the economy, the family,
religion, social movements, the state and on-line.
The course work is organized into three parts:
Lectures (2 hours per week)
Bonus interactive sessions (2 hours, every other week)
Discussion Sections (2 hours per week)
The lectures are meant to introduce the main concepts, theories and debates in sociology. They offer a broad survey of the key ideas in the field of sociology and are meant to draw connections across various intellectual domains. The seminar discussions are designed to help you actively engage with these ideas in more depth.
They are closely connected to the lectures. Moreover, they are the foundation on which the whole course is organized, both intellectually and in terms of evaluation.
Sean SAFFORD,Ozge DERMAN,Emma BONUTTI D'AGOSTINI,Holly HARGIS
Cours magistral et conférences
English
Autumn 2024-2025
To validate the course, the student is expected to pass the following assignments:
Continuous assessment: 2/3 of the final grade
A midterm exam (25%)
An oral presentation (30%)
A poster presentation (30%)
Active participation (15%)
Final Exam: 1/3 of the final grade
At the end of the course, the student is expected to have delopped tools to describe, reflect on and perhaps even influence the way that society shapes actions, beliefs, values and comprehension.
Berger, P., Invitation to sociology. A humanistic perspective. New York: Doubleday, 1963, p. 1-22.