Cultural Sociology (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- identify essential theories and debates of cultural sociology
- explore cultural institutions and phenomena – for example media, popular culture and art – from a political perspective
- view the production of communality and social differences as a cultural phenomenon.

Execution methods

Independent study of literature.

Accomplishment methods

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

Content

Cultural sociology studies what binds individuals, groups and societies together or on the other hand separates them from each other. Cultural sociology studies also how culture is present in human interaction and in the formation and reproduction of social structures. This course focuses on culture by three interconnected perspectives. Firstly, the course helps to understand what culture is and from what kinds of theoretical perspectives it can be understood, for example as meanings, symbols, cultural products and habits in consumption. Secondly, the course focuses on the political nature of cultural phenomena such as taste, cultural products and sub-cultures. Thirdly, the course helps to view culture from the perspective of belonging and participation: for example, how culture functions in the reproduction of social binds and differences.

Materials

Thomas Hylland Eriksen (2016) Overheating: An Anthropology of Accelerated Change.

John R. Hall, Laura Grindstaff & Ming-Che Lo (2010) Handbook of Cultural Sociology. Luvut: 1. J. Alexander & P. Smith, The Strong Program: the origins, achievements, and the prospects; 7. N. Couldry, Sociology and cultural studies: an interrupted dialogue; 20. G. A. Fine, Group cultures and subcultures; 31. Z. Bauman, Culture: liquid modern adventures of an idea; 39. A. Warde, Consumption and critique; 46. N. Eliasoph & P. Licherman, Making things political; 65. B. S. Turner, Cosmopolitanism and the clash of civilizations.

Arlie Hochschild (2016) Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right.

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.