Course 2013-2014 a.y.

Go to class group/s: 31

CLMG (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - M (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - IM (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - MM (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - AFC (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - CLAPI (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - CLEFIN-FINANCE (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - CLELI (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - ACME (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - DES-ESS (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05) - EMIT (6 credits - I sem. - OP  |  SECS-S/05)

Course Director:
IAN ROSS MACMILLAN

Course Objectives

The core objective of this course is the articulation of theories and methods of sociological research. Given its focus on a broad range of questions regarding the group- and temporal-nature of social life, sociology constantly innovates in issues of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. This course evaluates such efforts through the examination of the key social questions of modern society. A secondary objective is to expose students to the broad theoretical approaches in sociological research that articulate the foundational concepts that drive sociological explanations.

Course Content Summary

Sociological Analysis is organized around two broad issues. First, we examine key issues, debates or questions about modern society with particular attention to issues of inequality. Second, we learn the foundations of sociological tools, how they work, and critically examine how they have been used to formulate answers to such issues. Some topics to be covered in the course include:

• Logic(s) of Inquiry
• Social institutions: Past and Present
• Origin of societies
• Origins of inequality
• Religion and (long-run) economic performance
• Globalization, development and inequalities
• Social Mobility: Is it dying?
• What makes inequality acceptable?
• Is education the great equalizer? Macro- and Micro-
• Stratification and personal relationships
• Parents and children: Engines of inequality?
• Health and the life cycle
  

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Assessment is based on two exams and a written project. The exam involves short-answer, essay, and calculation-based questions. The written project involves original research on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the professor(s).

The first partial exam and the written project are valid until the end of A.Y. 2013-14.

Textbooks

There is no textbook. Instead, each topic covered includes a small (i.e., two-three) selection of readings that speak to specific sides of an issue or debate.

Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites, but students would benefit from having a working knowledge of basic mathematics and introductory statistics.

Last change 29/03/2013 14:54