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Modern Sociological Theories

Modern Sociological Theories

Code	13119
Year	1
Semester	S2
ECTS Credits	6
Workload	TP(60H)
Scientific area	Sociology
Entry requirements	NA
Mode of delivery	In Presence.
Learning outcomes	The main objective of this course is to discuss the relevant theoretical contributions that emerged after the initial debate held by the classical authors of sociological thought. We will analyze the main currents and authors that emerged in a society in deep political, social and economic transformation, resulting from a period of turbulence marked by the outbreak of world conflicts. At the end of the semester we expect students to be able to; - Understand and distinguish different theoretical perspectives and the fundamental concepts of each; - Understand and critically analyze the positioning of the various sociological currents vis-à-vis the main theoretical dilemmas that fuel the debate in sociology; - Identify issues and discuss results of sociological research carried out by the main authors of Modern Theories; - Reveal skills of interpretation and critical analysis of texts studied.
Syllabus	1. The beginnings of American Sociology - Chicago School: 1a) Human Ecology; Robert Park / 1b) The biographical method; William Thomas & Florian Znaniecki / 1c) Symbolic Interactionism; George H. Mead / 1d) Drama Sociology; Erving Goffman \| 2. Sociology of Knowledge; Karl Mannheim \| 3. Structural-functionalism; Talcott Parsons \| 4. Middle range theories; Robert K. Merton \| 5. Historical sociology; 5a) Norbert Elias / 5b) Karl Polanyi / 5c) Barrington Moore \| 6. Theories of Conflict: 6a) W.E.B. Du Bois' Racial Tension / 6b) Ralf Dahrendorf's Class Dispute / 7. Deviance and the Margins of Society: 7a) William F. Whyte / 7b) Howard Becker / 8. Reflexive Action; C. Wright Mills / 9. Phenomenological Sociology: 9a) Alfred Schutz \| 9b) Peter Berger & Thomas Luckman \| 10. Ethnomethodology; Harold Garfinkel \| 11. Critical Theory: 11a) Frankfurt School \| 11b) Cultural Studies \| 12. Sociology in Portugal; the role of Adérito Sedas Nunes.
Main Bibliography	Alexander, J. (1989). Las teorías sociológicas desde la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Gedisa. Beriain, J. & Iturrate (eds.) (1998). Para compreender la teoria sociológica. EVD. Machado, F. L. (2020). Sociologia em Portugal. Da pré-história à institucionalização avançada. Edições Afrontamento. Molénat, X. (coord.) (2009). Sociologia. História, ideias correntes. Edições Texto & Grafia. Ritzer, G. & Stepnisky, J. (2014). Sociological theory. McGraw Hill. Sharrock, W.; Hughes, J. & Martin, P. (2003). Understanding Modern Sociology. Sage. NOTE: All texts mentioned in the program are available in the e-learning of the UC.
Language	Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.