Sociology of Social Change (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- identify the sociological perspectives in the debates about social change
- specify social change on different levels
- evaluate and proportion social changes and debates about social change with broad historical developments.

Execution methods

Independent study of literature.

Accomplishment methods

The course is completed by reading the literature and taking a book exam (on EXAM).

Content

Sociology initially rose from the need to understand occurring changes in society. Today social change still is at the center of sociology. On this course the student will get acquainted with the sociological perspective to societal changes on different levels by examining different themes and approaches. The basic premise on the course is that changes in society can not be grasped as simple transitions from one societal formation to another, but changes must be understood as stratified, fragmented, discontinuous and asynchronous processes.

Materials

Pertti Alasuutari (2016) The Synchronization of National Policies: Ethnography of the Global Tribe of Moderns.
Niels Åkerstrøm Andersen & Justine Grøbnbæk Pors (2016) Public Management in Transition: The Orchestration of Potentiality.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify. The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.