Contemporary Sociological Issues - 1st semester

Objectives

1. Integrated understanding of the use of concepts, theories and sociological research methodologies, learned in other disciplines, for the sociological reflexion on real life issues; 2. Ability to problematize and analyse topics and real-life situations, using relevant theoretical perspectives; 3. Ability to use the aforementioned problematization and analysis to sociologically conceive the research objects; 4. Ability to communicate the theoretical and methodological construction of research objects in an accurate and meaningful way.


General characterization

Code

711081061

Credits

6

Responsible teacher

Maria Margarida Marques, Paula Reis

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - Available soon

Teaching language

Portuguese without teacher supervision in FL

Prerequisites

Have completed a minimum of 48 ECTS credits

Bibliography

Bachelard, G. (2005). A noção de obstáculo epistemológico. Plano da obra. In G. Bachelard, A formação do espírito científico. Contribuição para uma psicanálise do conhecimento (pp. 17-28). Contraponto. Bourdieu, P., Chamboredon, J. C., & Passeron, J. C. (2004). A construção do objecto. In P. Bourdieu, J. C. Chamboredon & J. C. Passeron, Ofício de Sociólogo: metodologia da pesquisa na sociologia (pp. 45-72). Vozes. Gilbert, N. (Org.) (2008). Researching social life (3ª Ed.). Sage. King, G., Keohane, R.O., & Verba, S (1994). Designing social enquiry: scientific inference in qualitative research. Princeton University Press. Merton, R.K. (1970). Sociologia: Teoria e estrutura. Mestre Jou. Uma obra de investigação empírica de referência (a escolher anualmente).

Teaching method

The classes are divided into lectures and practical sessions. The latter consist of selected texts discussion sessions; in discussion sessions with invited guests (researchers and sociologists integrated in public and private organizations); in guided discussion sessions supported by the viewing of documentaries, reports or films; and in the presentation and discussion of the essays of problematization of research themes chosen by the students.

Evaluation method

The assessment includes:
a) Participation and involvement of the student in the activities to be performed in the theoretical-practical and practical classes, namely: (i) in the discussion of the selected texts; (ii) in discussion sessions with external guests; (iii) in the guided discussion sessions; and (iv) in the discussion of practical work (30%);
b) One test (25%);
c) Progress Report (written document, including delimitation of the chosen empirical research theme and preliminary bibliographic review) and its presentation and discussion in practical sessions (20%);
d) Final written problematization essay (including thematic delimitation, bibliographical research and research problem) about the chosen theme (25%).

Subject matter

1. The relationship between sociological theory and the construction of research objects 1.1. Sociological theory and problematization of social reality 1.2. Problematization and construction of research objects 2. Generalization and inference 3. Analysis of a reference sociological research 4. Analysis of concrete themes of contemporary society 4.1. Presentation and explanation of the problematization and theoretical analysis used in the construction of sociological research objects. 4.2. Presentation and discussion of reports, films and / or documentaries related to topics of interest to the knowledge of contemporary society. 5. Presentation of the bibliographic research performed by the students, and of their interest, for the construction of research problem.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: