Contemporary Sociological Theories

Presentation

The objectives of this curricular unit are to understand the theoretical proposals of contemporary authors - definition and articulation of concepts, notions, categories and respective scientific works - in the sense of providing theoretical tools for sociological analysis.
The acquisition of theoretical instrumentalization is carried out in a systematic way, taking into account the great currents, where the authors are inserted, allowing an adequate knowledge for the theoretical work and for the future empirical investigations.
The main objectives are:
Understanding the emergence and indispensability of theories in sociological analysis;
Analysis of the great structuring fields of contemporary sociology and the respective theories indicated by the program;
Preparation of sociological reasoning, consistently critical-analytical;
Development of this reasoning, creative with maximum assertive rigor, for application in understanding the problems of society.

Part of this Programme

Sociology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

1 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT45-16965

Recommended complementary curricular units

Not applicable

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

The indispensability of theoretical theories and articulations for scientific work. In the Chicago School, among others: Park, Burgess and Wirth. In Symbolic Interactionism: Goffman. In Functionalism one will approach theory and empiricism and social control in Merton. The Structure-Functionalism focuses on Parsons, on the general theory of action and societies, with Elias is aimed at the civilizational process. About the Frankfurt School, among the authors: Habermas with communicative action and the world of life; Adorno and mass culture; Marcuse and industrialism. In Conflict Theory the reference is based on Sew with functions of the conflict; and in Dahrendorf the articulation between social cohesion and political freedom. In France, Touraine and the social movements, reflexive modernization and venture society in Anthony Giddens, Ulrich Beck and Foucault. In Constructivist Structuralism one looks for the main perspectives of Bourdieu.

Objectives

It is intended, from the theoretical preparation - where, complementarily, several examples are situated - to create competences in several domains

In the domain of theoretical knowledge and sociological problematizations;

Capacity of sociological reflection (sociological imagination) from the authors and the concepts seized;

Capacity in the critical analysis on the contemporary society; Instrumental skills for the investigation of society, with the determination of "objects of study" according to the identification of "sociological problems" understood as "real objects";

Competences for the encounter of reflection subordinated to the exercise of citizenship with the use of the theories studied.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

The methodology of continuous assessment is used in which participation and attendance of the students are required. Thus, it is intended to create interest in the subject, in the sense of having a positive dynamic. The continuous evaluation includes: the classification obtained in the oral presentation of the works that must have an abstract - preparation for future syntheses, the presentation script - evaluation of the systematisability, logic and coherence and interest in the presentation for motivate the debate - expository form (40%); a report on a study visit - developing the capacity for observation and analysis (5%) and participation in discussions during the lessons - attention and commitment (5%); a final work that can be based on the contents of the presentation and those acquired in learning - theoretical-analytical competence (50%); Students who do not enter the continuous assessment process or who do not have passing grade enter the examination system.

References

Beck, U (2015). Sociedade de risco mundial. Lisboa: Edições 70

Beck, U & Gidens, A., Lash, S. (2000). Modernização Reflexiva. Oeiras: Celta

Bourdieu, P (1997). Razões Práticas. Oeiras: Celta

Bourdieu, P (1997). O Poder Simbólico. Algés: Difel

Ferreira, J. et al. (1995). Sociologia. Alfragide: Editora McGraw-Hill de Portugal

Foucault, M (2008). Segurança, Território, População. S. Paulo: Martins Fontes

Foucault, M (2005). Em Defesa da Sociedade. S. Paulo: Martins Fontes

Goffman, E (1988). Estigma. Rio de Janeiro: Guanabara

Giddens, A (2000). Sociologia. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

Giddens, A (2000). O Mundo na Era da Globalização. Lisboa: Presença

Merton, Robert K (1968). Sociologia. Teoria e Estrutura. S. Paulo: Editora Mestre Jou

Parsons, T (1969). Sociedades. São Paulo: L. Pioneira Editora

Tar, Zoltan (s/d). A Escola de Francoforte. Lisboa: Edições 70

Touraine, A (1996). O Retorno do Actor. Ensaio de Sociologia. Lisboa: Instituto Piaget

Turner, B (2002). Teoria Social. Miraflores: Difel

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