Introduction to Sociology PDF Print

Y1 - Introduction to Sociology

Tutor: Anna Tsatsaroni

Semester: 1st

ECTS: 4

Short Description:

The course examines the basic elements of the social world and addresses a range of different topics and domains of sociology. In particular, the course defines the discipline of sociology and describes its emergence in modern industrial societies, describes its objects of study and the variety of approaches to their analysis, and explains the development of sociological thinking in modern and postmodern societies. Emphasis is given to the major sociological figures, both classical and modern, whohave contributed to its founding and development, as well as to the basic theoretical perspectives: structural functionalism, conflict theories and the theory of symbolic interaction. Each of the specific themes centres on the basic concepts, which constitute the “first material” in the construction of sociological theory and its modeof argumentation, as well as on the basic terminology, necessary for the description of the social phenomena.    

Aims:

The main objectives of the course are:

  • The initiation of students into the basic ways of thinking in the sociological analysis and explanation of social reality.
  • The understanding of the concepts that constitute the basis for developing sociological theory and its modes of argumentation.
  • The development of the “sociological imagination”, for understanding the social world.
  • The systematic observation, which allows students to inquire into the deeper structures beneath the surface of everyday life and to conceive new levels of social reality.
  • The application of the analytical tools provided by sociology for addressing aspects of students’ own social world, usually taken for granted.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the successful completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Know the basic theoretical approaches, which can shed light on different aspects of the social world, as well as the basic concepts and terminology necessary for the description and understanding of social phenomena.
  • Understand the significance of the sociological perspective for getting deeper insights into the social world, and recognize how each of the different approaches – and the sociological tradition in its entirety – contributes to a better grasp of social phenomena, subject to sociological analysis.
  • Use adequately the basic literature sources of the discipline.
  • Have basic theoretical knowledge for addressing classical topics of sociological analysis and also topics that relate to current social environments.
  • Pose critical questions about the social world that surrounds them.
  • Demonstrate broadened horizons, sharper observation skills and stronger analytical abilities.

The course is designed to help students develop the following competences: search different sources, analysis and synthesisof data and information drawn mainly from the basic literature of the subject, observation skills, adequate analytical abilities, sociological modes of argumentation.  

Structure:

13 three-hour lessons. Teaching is based on lectures. Students are expected to participate in the teaching processand lessons, very often, take the form of dialogue or “seminar”, requiring the students to read systematically the teaching materials recommended to them at the end of the lecture and placed on the electronic platform e-class.

Assessment:

Students’ assessment is based on:

a. Assessment of a short essay, aiming at students’ familiarisation with the basic sociological sources of the course (20% of the total score).

b. A written examination (80%).
The sort essay is optional. For students to take this option systematic attendance is necessary, which is to say attendance of at least nine (9) out of the thirteen (13) lessons constituting the course. Students that cannot satisfy the above requirement are assessed on the basis of the written exam (100% of the total score).
Students get warnings about the fact that when the assessment is based on the combination of the short essay and the written exam it usually works in their favour, and also that writing an essay facilitates a deeper understanding of the content of the course and contribute to productive learning.    

Bibliography:

Berger, P. L. (1983/1963), Invitation to sociology, Athens, Kritiki.
Giddens, A. (2002) Sociology, Athens, Gutenberg.
Hall, S. &Gieben, B. (2003) Formations of modernity. Economy, society, politics, culture, Athens, Savala.
Hughes, M. & Kroehler, C. (2007) Sociology. The basic concepts. Athens, Kritiki.
Lukes, S. (2005/2007) Power. A radical view, Athens, Savala (2nd edition).
Ritzer, G. (2012) Contemporary sociological theory, Athens, Kritiki.
Working Group, Sociology, Direction J. Ritsert (1996) Ways of thinking and basic concepts of sociology, Athens, Kritiki.