RSO-10306 Sociology

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lecture24
Tutorial12
Practical12
Independent study0
Course coordinator(s)dr. ir. BB Bock
Lecturer(s)dr. ir. BB Bock
ir. B Brinkman
Examiner(s)dr. ir. BB Bock

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

The course consists of lectures of two hours two times a week, and tutorials of two hours one time a week. Attendance of the tutorials is mandatory as well as the weekly assignments that serve as preparation. in the weekly assignments students read and analyse a scientific article and respond to a number of questions in writing. The lectures discuss fundamental sociological questions and themes. During the tutorials we discuss the articles in which fundamental sociological insights are applied to the context of international development and communication, discuss the prepared questions and engage in exercises to relate the topic of the article to the life world of the students. Specific attention will be devoted to the early sociologists. We will discuss their insights and assess their influence on more recent sociological analyses of contemporary societal issues. In addition, students attend three mandatory practical sessions on presentation skills, lasting four hours each. In these sessions, students practice oral presentation skills, on the basis of sociological issues. Students present parts of the book and/or other study material.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- describe and explain basic sociological questions, approaches, theories and concepts;
- describe the most important insights of the three 'fathers of sociology' as well as a number of modern sociologists, and explain their differences;
- identify the theoretical concepts and ideas in sociological work and comment upon them;
- apply the theories and theoretical concepts to analyse and interpret current societal events and issues in the context of their study programme;
- explain basic sociological questions, approaches, theories and concepts in a clear oral presentation in public.

Activities:

- attending lectures, mandatory tutorials and presentation working groups;
- literature study;
- weekly written assignments;
- oral presentations (incl. writing of a reflection report).

Examination:

- written exam (65%);
- written assignments (35%).
Both written exam and the written assignments need a minimum mark of 5.5. In case of no-pass for written assignments new assignments need to be done during the official re-exam periods. Non-attendance of the mandatory tutorials negatively affects the assessment of the written assignments. Additionally, to pass the course the oral presentation skills part has to be completed satisfactorily. A bonus arrangement applies.

Literature:

Macionis, J.J.; Peper, B.; Van der Leun, J. (2014). De Samenleving; kennismaking met de sociologie. Amsterdam: Pearson benelux, 2014. 12de ed.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BINInternational Development StudiesBSc2MO
BCLCommunication and Life SciencesBSc2MO