course-details-portlet

SOS1001

Social Theory

Choose study year
Credits 15
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Spring 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

Sociological theories are tools that help us understand the society we live in. The course provides an introduction to sociological theories and sociological knowledge about society's structure and functioning. Through the course, students will become familiar with a number of influential theories about the structure and functioning of society. Particular emphasis is placed on how and why society changes, and to see these processes in the light of classic and recent sociological theories. Among the central themes covered in the course are societal structure, social institutions, social action, and globalization and its consequences. The relevance of the theories will be discussed in the light of current social phenomena.

The students will be introduced to sociological theories and sociological knowledge about society structure and functioning. In particular, the course will give the students an introduction to how classical and modern theories can be used to understand how and why society changes. Central themes of the course are social structure, social institutions and consequences of globalization.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - the student shall:

  • have knowledge of the most important classical and modern sociological theories and perspectives.
  • know the history of sociology; origins and development.
  • know different principles for categorizing sociological perspectives and theories.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

  • be able to summarize central theoretical contributions, both written and oral.
  • be able to apply different sociological perspectives in analyzes of the contemporary social structure and social changes.
  • be able to place sociological work in a historical context and a perspective context.
  • demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on theories of social structure and social change.

Learning methods and activities

4 hours of lectures every week throughout the semester according to the lecture plan. Seminars two hours per week. The organization of the seminars will be presented at the beginning of the semester. The compulsory activity can only be completed in the spring semester. Specific requirements will be announced at the start of the semester.

Compulsory assignments

  • Approved term papers.

Further on evaluation

Form of assessment: A five hour written exam.

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

To be given at the start of the semester.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
SVSOS106 15 sp
SOS1001 15 sp Spring 2004
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Social Sciences
  • Sociology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Sociology and Political Science