Teaching language

English

Course contents

"Sociologists today are faced with a fundamental dilemma: whether to conceive of the social world as consisting primarily in substances or in processes, in static "things" or in dynamic, unfolding relations» (Emirbayer 1997).  In his "Manifesto for a Relational Sociology" Mustafa Emirbayer makes the case for focusing on relations and social capital to understand social structures, dynamics of change, the production and sharing of meaning and to pinpoint the faultlines of conflict in modern societies. The course will familiarize students with key theories on relational sociology and social capital. Drawing on selected writings the participants analyze the ways social networks enable the accumulation, maintenance and use of social capital. Furthermore, the students will be introduced to methods of social network analysis and will be given opportunity to collect and analyze network data as a cutting-edge tool for contemporary social study.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the students should be able to:

  • Become acquainted with theories of relational sociology
  • Study the role of social capital in the formation of social structures and social mobility
  • Put analytical tools for social network analysis into practice

Examination requirements

Approved mandatory assignment, further information will be given in Canvas at the start of the semester.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars. Information is posted on Canvas. Expected work volume is approximately 140 hours.

Evaluation

The course lecturer decides, in cooperation with student representative, the form of student evaluation and whether the course is to have a midway or end of course evaluation in accordance with the quality system for education, chapter 4.1.

Assessment methods and criteria

Portfolio assignment, more information in Canvas

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) June 30, 2024 5:42:32 PM