SCH-11806 Sociology of Business, Consumption and Economics

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lecture24
Tutorial16
Group work10
Course coordinator(s)dr. ir. MG Bulkens
Lecturer(s)dr. HM van der Horst
MSc. L Huijgen
dr. C Sato
drs. FL Roschar
SM Zijlstra MSc
dr. ir. MG Bulkens
dr. S Wahlen
LRG Minnaard
Examiner(s)dr. ir. MG Bulkens

Language of instruction:

Dutch and English.

Continuation courses:

SCH-20806 Lifestyles and Consumption.

Contents:

This course offers an introduction to Sociology geared towards the needs of BBC and BEB students. It links core concepts and theories in Sociology to the main domains of the BBC and BEB program (business, consumption and economics). The course starts with a general introduction to Sociology, focussing on theoretical traditions as well as research methods in Sociology. Following this general introduction, the course addresses the main sociological themes and concepts in relation to 1) economics, 2) business, and 3) consumption. For example, we discuss consumption in relation to societal change. Important social developments that will be discussed are globalization and modernization. Under the heading of consumption we explore family, gender, lifestyles and educational inequality. During the course, students also practice oral presentation skills. In three mandatory sessions, lasting four hours each, students practice these presentation skills, based on materials for this course.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain key sociological concepts;
- recognize and compare different sociological perspectives ;
- explain the relevance of different sociological perspectives for understanding 1) economics, 2) business, and 3) consumption;
- explain the relationship between gender differences, dynamics of gender inequality and consumption;
- apply key sociological concepts and perspectives to a concrete topic in the field of economics, business or consumer studies in a group assignment;
- explain basic sociological questions, approaches, theories and concepts in a clear oral presentation in public.

Activities:

- attending lectures and tutorials;
- literature study;
- individual assignment;
- oral presentations (incl. writing of a reflection report).

Examination:

- written exam with open questions (65%);
- individual assignment (20%);
- oral presentations (15%).
To pass, each component requires a minimum mark of 5.5.

Literature:

Johnston, J, Cairns, K. & S. Baumann (2017). Introducing Sociology Using the Stuff of Everyday Life. New York: Routledge.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BBCManagement and Consumer StudiesBSc2MO
BEBEconomics and GovernanceBSc2MO