Social Theory (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- identify key issues and concepts within social theory
- explore the society as a political and social construction and a social practice
- observe societal phenomena through social theory.

Execution methods

Teaching profile: ONLINE 2.

Accomplishment methods

Independent reading. A book exam (EXAM) or a written assignment.

Content

The course focuses on theoretical conceptualizations and interpretations of social reality, practices, and possibilities. Social theory explores the ways in which to explain and evaluate the world, what happens around us, what we can expect of the future, and how to affect societal reality.

Materials

Göran Therborn (2011) The World: A Beginner’s Guide. 

Zygmunt Bauman (2000) Liquid modernity.

Gurminder K. Bhambra (2023) Rethinking Modernity. Postcolonialism and the Sociological Imagination. 2nd ed. Preface & Introduction.

Teaching methods

Independent reading. A book exam (EXAM) or alternatively a written assignment. Further infomation on Moodle workspace.
Teaching profile: ONLINE 2.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

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

Sufficient (1): Performance is lacking in scope, is superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Satisfactory (2): Performance corresponds somewhat to the assignment, but may contain obscurities. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

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

Very good (4): Performance manifests extensive comprehension as well as skills of interpretation and critical reflection. The work corresponds well to the assignment, and creates a coherent and consistent whole.

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.

Qualifications

Johdatus politiikkatieteisiin ja sosiologiaan