Universität Wien

230103 SE How has sociology changed our life? (2023W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 23 - Soziologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 35 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Update 19.10.2023: die Veranstaltung endet früher als geplant. Die für Jänner angesetzten Einheiten entfallen und werden in einem Blocktermin (Absprache mit den Studierenden) nachgeholt. Die Abmeldefrist wird bis 25.10. verlängert für Studierende, die die geänderten Termine nicht mehr wahrnehmen können und die Lehrveranstaltung abbrechen müssen.

Thursday 05.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Thursday 12.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Thursday 19.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Thursday 09.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Thursday 16.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Thursday 23.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Thursday 30.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Friday 01.12. 13:15 - 18:00 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Thursday 07.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Thursday 14.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 3, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Due to Marx in his well-known work, Theses on Feuerbach, "The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point, however, is to change it." Apart from the context and the discussions afterwards, sociologists can pose a similar question: "Has sociology caused changes in our everyday lives?" When talking about changes in everyday life, many people usually think of medical or technological milestones such as vaccinations or smartphones. Therefore, it would not be easy to recognize the impact of sociology on our lives.
In fact, we can distinguish two levels here: On the macro level, we can consider the impact of sociology on the society, and on the micro level, it is interesting to know the effects of sociology on a sociologist (and sociology students). In 2004, a terminology was proposed by Michael Burawoy, which is also relevant here. He distinguishes four types of sociological knowledge. The significance of "Public Sociology" is important for us in this course. Public Sociology is a field of sociology in which sociologists and "publics" begin a dialogue, produce data and information, and learn from each other. This dialogue can also be seen as part of the change that sociology can bring about.
In summary, the point of departure in this course is the changes caused by sociology as a science, whereas we investigate how this science influences the society. For this reason, the course deals with milestones in the history of sociology and their impact on everyday life. Furthermore, we examine how the study of sociology has changed our views as sociologists – were sociologists the same, if they have not studied sociology. In this sense, the seminar is interactive, and we will discuss our experiences as sociologists. Subsequently, we will learn about "Public Sociology" and the connection between sociology and the publics.

Assessment and permitted materials

The course content is developed through the reading of required texts, lectures by the course instructor and collective discussions. Additionally, the goal of the course is to provide an interactive experience by means of homework assignments, in order to deepen our knowledge. Finally, every student has to write a short essay about the topic.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

To receive a positive evaluation, it is necessary to fulfill all partial requirements, which include reading the required literature, completing homework assignments, participating in group work, and writing an essay of approximately 10,000 characters per person.

Each partial requirement will be independently assessed according to a point system, with a total of 100 points. The maximum number of points that can be obtained for each task is as follows:

Active participation and engagement in discussions (10%)
Homework assignments (40%)
Written final assignment (a short essay) (50%)
To receive a passing grade, a minimum of 50 points is required.

Grading scale:
100-89 points: Very good (1)
88-76 points: Good (2)
75-63 points: Satisfactory (3)
62-50 points: Sufficient (4)
49-0 points: Insufficient (5) (failed)

Examination topics

All the students should write a short essay about the topic at the end of the semester.

Reading list

Burawoy, M. (2004). For public sociology. American sociological review, 70(1), 4-28.
Burawoy, M. (2021). Public sociology. John Wiley & Sons.
Carrigan, M., & Fatsis, L. (2021). The Public and their Platforms: Public Sociology in an Era of Social Media. Bristol University Press. doi:10.46692/9781529201062
Eribon, D. (2016). Rückkehr nach Reims. Suhrkamp Verlag.
Korgen, K. O. (Ed.). (2017). The Cambridge Handbook of Sociology: Volume 2: Specialty and Interdisciplinary Studies. Cambridge University Press.
Mau, S. (2019). Lütten Klein: Leben in der ostdeutschen Transformationsgesellschaft. Suhrkamp Verlag.
Neckel, S., Mijic, A., Von Scheve, C., & Titton, M. (2010). Sternstunden der Soziologie. Wegweisende Theoriemodelle des soziologischen Denkens. Frankfurt a. M.: Campus.
Proust, M. (2023). Auf der Suche nach der verlorenen Zeit. AtheneMedia-Verlag.

Association in the course directory

in 505: UE im BA SM Wahlmodul
in 905: UE im MA SE Soziologische Erweiterung

Last modified: Fr 20.10.2023 10:07