Course - Social Interaction - SOS3523
Social Interaction
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About the course
Course content
The course will provide an introduction and overview of key perspectives and current theories related to social interaction. The original contributions within the tradition, from among others Blumer, Garfinkel, Goffman, Strauss, Collins, Fine and Rawls are central in the course. Emphasis is also placed on an understanding of how the insights from this "microsociological" tradition can be regarded as generic sociological perspectives on society and social development. Theories from social interactionism will be elucidated by linking them to contemporary social phenomena. Active student participation and the use of everyday examples bring theories and perspectives close to the students' own lives.
Learning outcome
Knowledge - the student shall:
- have insight into central theories, discussions and research related to social interaction.
- have the ability to critically analyze the relevance of these theories according to understanding of community and development.
Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:
- be able to use theories of social interaction as an analytical tool for investigating and understanding social phenomena and problems.
- develop and disseminate such theories' relevance for understanding trends in society today.
Learning methods and activities
Both lectures and seminars will be given in the course. Active student participation is required (flipped classroom), and there will be excursions to observe and discuss various "social arenas". If less than 6 students register for the course in the first two weeks of teaching, the teaching is given as a guided reading course. Please contact the department for further information.
Compulsory assignments
- Individual/ group based written reports after each excursion
- Individual/ group based presentations of articles/ chapters
- Active participation in lectures/ seminars
Further on evaluation
Forms of assessment: Group assignment (3 students in each group) presented as a podcast (audio file of 30-40 min.), which discusses theoretical contributions or develops an analysis of a current social phenomenon using relevant theories. In addition, an individual oral exam is given. The oral exam can be used to adjust the grade given on the group assignment by one unit on the scale. All parts of the evaluation must be retaken when the exam is repeated. This applies both in the case of a new assessment after a failure and in the case of improving the grade.
Recommended previous knowledge
None.
Required previous knowledge
60 credits including SOS1002 or an equivalent course in research methods. The requirement must be fulfilled to be admitted to the course.
Course materials
To be decided at the start of the semester.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| SOS3609 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| SOS8541 | 10 sp | Autumn 2023 |
Subject areas
- Sociology