GENERAL
| SCHOOL | School of Economics and Political Science |
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| DEPARTMENT | Sociology |
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| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
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| COURSE CODE | 431035 |
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| COURSE TITLE | Political and Social Representation (PS) |
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| Independent Teaching Activities |
Weekly Teaching Hours |
CREDIT UNITS |
| Lectures |
3 |
6 |
| TOTAL |
3 |
6 |
| Course Type | General Background |
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| Prerequisite Courses | No |
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| Teaching and Examination Language | Greek |
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| THE COURSE IS OFFERED TO ERASMUS STUDENTS | Yes (in the form of assignments in English) |
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| Course Webpage (URL) | https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/SOC204/ |
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(2) LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- distinguish the institutions of social representation from those of political representation,
- understand the importance of the functioning of political and social representation institutions for the quality of democracy,
- correlate the institutions of social and political representation with the transformations of modernity,
- understand the theoretical approaches that determine the methodology of their empirical studies,
- they have in-depth knowledge of the formation, role, and functions of political parties, as well as their relationship with social classes, the state, and democracy,
- understand the differences between the roles of the various institutions of social representation (pressure groups, trade unions, movements, NGOs),
- become familiar with the relevant discussion on the formation and evolution of the system of social and political representation in Greece after 1974, a period that includes, among other things, the intensification of interdependent commitments imposed by the processes of globalization.
General Capabilities
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- they have a critical perception of the historicity of the era and society,
- understand the different aspects of political and social representation in modern democracies,
- analyze complex social issues with a critical approach,
- apply sociological analyses to the contemporary political and social environment,
- they exercise criticism and self-criticism,
- present their arguments publicly in a structured and coherent manner.
(3) COURSE CONTENT
The purpose of the course is the systematic and in-depth study of systems of social and political representation. The course is divided into two main sections. Following the introduction of students to how representation is shaped in modernity, the first section focuses on political representation. Initially, we analyze the forms that political systems take and the variations that exist regarding the legislative and executive branches. Subsequently, an introduction to political parties is made, analyzing their origin and basic functions, while we discuss the evolution and types of political parties that develop in the 20th and 21st centuries. The section concludes with an overview of the debate around cleavages and their application to the Greek political system. The second section concerns social representation. Initially, we discuss the framework of corporatism and neo-corporatism in contrast to the theoretical perspective of pluralism, as well as the framework of social dialogue and governance. Following this, students are introduced to interest groups, studying their categorization and basic functions. On this basis, the subsequent lectures focus on labor unions and the evolution of the trade union movement in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as the role of employer organizations. The second section concludes with a discussion on civil society as a field of fermentation for social representation, where we analyze the role of Non-Governmental Organizations and volunteer associations and their role in the conceptualization of citizenship.
(4) TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS – EVALUATION
| DELIVERY METHOD | Face to face |
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| Information and Communication Technologies | PowerPoint presentations, organization of small groups for discussion on specific topics and assignment presentations, screening of related film material, support of the learning process through the e-class electronic platform.
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| Activity |
Semester Workload |
| Lectures |
39 |
| Work |
39 |
| Standalone Study |
69 |
| Participation in exams |
3 |
| Course Summary |
150 |
Student Evaluation
| Process Description Evaluation | The evaluation process is conducted in the Greek language with a final examination on the entire curriculum and includes a written exam with essay questions.
The answer to the questions is considered complete when it is factually accurate, satisfactorily justified, and clearly formulated.
An important role in the evaluation of students is also played by active participation in the class, as well as in assignment presentations.
There is the option of writing optional assignments on a topic related to the course's themes, which students choose after consulting with the instructor. The assignments are accompanied by a presentation during classes.
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(5) RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Suggested Bibliography
- Aranitou, V. (2012) Social dialogue and employer organizations. From the cooperation of social partners to the hegemony of the «markets». Savvalas Publications
- Diamantopoulos, Th. (1993) The Party Phenomenon: Forms, Systems, Party Families. Papazisis Publications
- Eleftheriou, K., Tsirbas, G., Koliastasis, P. and Kanaouti, S. (2023) (Eds.) Introduction to Political Science. Gutenberg
- Eleftheriou K., 2021, The Political Party, Athens, ENA
- Kioukias, D. (2006) European Political Systems and Interest Groups. Sideris
- Kouzis, G. (2007) The Characteristics of the Contemporary Greek Trade Union Movement. Divergences and convergences with the European area. Gutenberg
- Mavrogordatos, G. (2018). Pressure groups and democracy. Patakis Publishers
- Metaxas, A-I.D. (2018) (ed.) Political Science. Interdisciplinary and Contemporary Investigation of Political Action. IV. Political Sociology. Social Representation and Political Participation. Sideris Publications, Anniversary Edition
- Moisidis, A. and Sakellaropoulos, S. (2010) (Eds.) Greece in the 19th & 20th Century. Introduction to Greek Society. Topos Publications
- Serafentinidou, M. (2002). Introduction to Political Sociology. Athens: Gutenberg
- Spourdalakis, M. (1990) On the theory and study of political parties. Exantas Publications
- Sotiropoulos, D. (2004) (ed.), The Unknown Civil Society. Athens: Potamos
- Tsatsos, D. and Kontiadis, X. (2003) (eds.) The Future of Political Parties. Papazisis Publications
- Hatzistavrou, F. (2018) Who Governs Europe? Power Structures After the Economic Crisis. Tziola Publications
- Hatzistavrou, F. (2021) Conflict of Interests in Politics. Private Influence Strategies, Lobbying and the Public Interest. Tziola Publications
- Ball, A. and Peters, G. (2001) Modern Politics and Government. Introduction to Political Science. Papazissis Publications
- Hague, R. and Harrop, M. (2011) Comparative Government and Politics. Kritiki Editions
- Heywood, A. (2014) Politics. Epikentro, 4th edition
- Nohlen, D. (2007) Party systems and electoral systems. Epikentro,
- Roskin, M.G., Cord, R.L., Medeiros, J.A. and Jones, W.S. (2008) Introduction to Political Science. Epikentro Publications, 10th edition
- Schwartzenberg, R. (2009). Political Sociology. Volume A and B, Thessaloniki: Epikentro
Related Scientific Journals
- The Review of Social Research
- Science and Society
- Political Science Review
