Sociology 2, continuation course, 30 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to
- account for basic concepts, arguments and perspectives within modern macro- and microsociological theory,
- analyse phenomena in modern society by means of various sociological theories from both a macro and a micro perspective,
- demonstrate a critical approach to different positions that are brought forward in the public debate,
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental advantages and disadvantages of qualitative and quantitative methods,
- account for the basic thoughts behind hypothesis testing confidence interval and statistical relationships,
- analyse quantitative data by means of basic descriptive and statistical analysis,
- design a questionnaire, collect own quantitative data by means of a questionnaire, interview or quantitative contents analysis of materials from the Internet,
- code, process and analyse independently collected material,
- In writing, report the collection and analysis work of own quantitative data in the form of an essay.

Course content

Macrosociological Theories II, 7.5 HE credits (Makrosociologiska teorier II)

The course covers modern macrosociological theories with specific consideration to the social, economic and political social changes that come with globalisation.

Microsociological Theories II, 7.5 credits (Mikrosociologiska teorier II)

The course gives an advanced study in and a broadened understanding of microsociological theories. The course highlights the differences between various theory traditions regarding basic assumptions about the nature of man and the society.

Quantitative Research Methods, 7.5 HE credits (Sociologisk metod med kvantitativ inriktning)

The course begins with a science theory-oriented discussion about quantitative and qualitative methods. This is followed by elementary probability theory, normal distribution, sampling and sampling distribution, hypothesis testing and confidence intervals of means and mean difference, of proportions and difference of proportions, Chi-2 test, correlation, design of the attitude index and elementary correlation analysis by means of regression line.

Essay, 7.5 HE credits (Uppsats)

Formulation of a research issue and collection of own quantitative data. This takes place by means of an independently designed questionnaire or classification scheme for contents analysis. The collected data is coded, processed and analysed independently and is then reported in writing in the form of an essay. The essay is presented at a seminar, where the student should also publicly discuss another essay.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching takes the form of lectures, independent group work with assigned discussion issues, compulsory presentations and active participation in the seminars. Also included is practical proficiency training in statistic data analysis, compulsory written assignments in data analysis with feedback and joint reviews. Practical exercises in questionnaire construction with presentations at seminars are also included, as well as carrying out an own quantitative study with a presentation at a seminar.

Examination

The examination formats vary, depending on the contents and planning of the different modules. Apart from compulsory seminars and written assignments, both a take-home examination and a written examination and presentation of an own essay and critical review of another student's essay at seminar.

Grades

Other information

Department