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Political Science and International Relations
Political Sociology

Political Sociology

Code	12252
Year	1
Semester	S2
ECTS Credits	6
Workload	TP(60H)
Scientific area	Sociology
Entry requirements	N/A.
Mode of delivery	Day-time, presential
Work placements	Not applicable
Learning outcomes	- To provide a theoretical-methodological framework that facilitates a sociological perception of the political phenomena; To analyze the characteristics and changes of the actual political phenomena; To promote a critical spirit and a break with common sense interpretations of politics Students should be able to understand the structuration of power relations in contemporary societies; - Students should be able to interpret political phenomena on a scientific and methodological basis; - Students should be able to critically analyze the main theories and interpretation of the modern state and power relations; - Students should be able to recognize and critically assess the main characteristics and changes in contemporary democratic systems in comparative perspective, and especially the Portuguese reality.
Syllabus	CHAPTER I - POLICS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 1. What is politics? 2. The multidisciplinarity of polical analysis 3. Power, authority and domination in sociological theory CHAPTER II - STATE SOVEREIGNTY AND GLOBALIZATION 1. The State and the Citizen 1. Theories of the State 2. Nation-state sovereignty and globalization CHAPTER III - THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS 1. Introduction to the democratic process 2. The formation of the representation logics 3. Political formations - parties, groups and movements 4. The electoral process: theories and analysis of the Portuguese case 5. Partisan Democracy in Portugal 6. The ideological dimension of politics - left and right 7. Populism
Main Bibliography	ARBLASTER, Anthony (1988), A democracia, Lisboa: Estampa AUGUSTO, Nuno M. (2006), Novos Actores Sobre Velhos Palcos: juventude, política e ideologias no Portugal democrático, Covilhã: UBI BOUDON, Raymond (1995), Tratado de Sociologia, Porto: Asa DUVERGER, Maurice, (1973) Sociologie de la Politique, PUF: Paris DUVERGER, Maurice, (1980) Os Partidos Políticos, Rio de Janeiro: Zahar FREIRE, André (2001), Mudança Eleitoral em Portugal,Oeiras: Celta FREIRE, André e LOPES, F. Farelo (2002), Partidos Políticos e Sistemas Eleitorais, Oeiras: Celta FREIRE, et al(2004) (org.), Portugal a Votos, Lisboa: ICS HALL, John A. e IKENBERRY, G. John (1990), O Estado, Ed. Estampa, Lisboa LIPSET, Seymour M. (1992), Consenso e Conflito, Lisboa: Gradiva PIRES, F. Videira (1977), Sociologia Política, Porto: Lello & Irmão HELD, David e POLLIT, C. (Eds.), New Forms of Democracy, Londres: Sage TANSEY, Stephen D. (1995), Politics, the basics, Londres: Routledge,
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria	Theoretical-practical classes that combine the exposure of contents with the discussion of texts and the discussion of contemporary issues that may directly or indirectly support or explain the contents. The use of online resources provide a greater interactivity and information sharing. May be used some multimedia resources in particular situations, to facilitate a better relationship between the theoretical exposition and the interpretation of political phenomena. The final evaluation depends on the evaluation obtained in two written tests (45% each test) and attendance and attendance (10%). Students who complete all assessment moments, attend at least 70% of classes and obtain an average minimum grade of 7 points are in a continuous evaluation system.
Language	Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.