Structure of the Curriculum

Political Sociology (PS)

Course PDF
Political Sociology (PS)
COURSE OUTLINE
GENERAL
SCHOOLSchool of Economics and Political Science
DEPARTMENTSociology
Level of StudyUndergraduate
COURSE CODE431013
COURSE TITLEPolitical Sociology (PS)
Independent Teaching Activities Weekly Teaching Hours CREDIT UNITS
Lectures - assignments 3 6
TOTAL 3 6
Course TypeGeneral Background
Prerequisite CoursesNo
Teaching and Examination LanguageGreek
THE COURSE IS OFFERED TO ERASMUS STUDENTSYes (in the form of assignments in English)
Course Webpage (URL)https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/SOC197/
(2) LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • they understand the basic concepts and themes (authority, power, politics),
  • distinguish the differences between the main schools of Political Sociology and the methodological approaches of the social sciences,
  • understand and analyze the social basis of political representations and the political dimension of social relations,
  • distinguish the particular characteristics of modern societies and of the economy-society-politics relationship,
  • understand the different theoretical starting points through which we discuss the development of power,
  • they follow the academic debate regarding the transformations of the state and political representations under conditions of globalization and technological changes.

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 power in the contemporary context of continuous and
    interrelated crises,
  • 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 subject of the course is the exploration of the field of Political Sociology. The course consists of 13 lectures divided into three thematic units: 1) Main theoretical and methodological approaches, 2) Main actors of political sociology, and 3) Critical dimensions of political sociology. The first thematic unit analyzes the main theoretical and methodological approaches developed in the field of Political Sociology. Specifically, through classical liberal approaches, elite and pluralist theories, Marxist and post-structuralist approaches, we explore the central concepts of power, authority, and class domination. In the second thematic unit, we analyze the main agents of social and political representation, such as political parties, pressure groups, and social movements. In the third thematic unit, we deal with the main topics that have been points of reflection for contemporary political sociology. Specifically, we discuss the analytical tools of political culture and the problematization of established patterns of political socialization, the concept of social capital and the development of civil society, as well as changes in power and governance structures within the environment of globalization.

(4) TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS – EVALUATION
DELIVERY METHODFace to face
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.

Activity Semester Workload
Lectures 39
Work 39
Standalone Study 69
Participation in exams 3
Course Summary 150
Student Evaluation
Process Description Evaluation

evaluation process is conducted in the Greek language with a final examination on the entire syllabus and includes a written examination with essay-type 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.

(5) RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Suggested Bibliography

• Serafetinidou M (2006) Introduction to Political Sociology, Athens: Gutenberg
• Dobratz, A.B., Waldner, K.L., and Buzzell, T. (2019). Power, Politics, and Society: An Introduction to Political Sociology. Athens: Kleidarithmos
• Schwartzenberg, R. (2009). Political Sociology. Volume A and B, Thessaloniki: Epikentro
• Lagroye, J., Bastian, F., and Sawicki, F. (2008). Political Sociology. Typothito
• Hall, S., McGrew, A. and Held, D. (2010) Modernity Today. Economy Society Politics Culture. Athens: Savvalas

Related Scientific Journals

• The Greek Review of Social Research
• Modern Topics
• International Political Sociology

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