Saint-Louis University - Bruxelles
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ESPO1161 - Sociology



Credits : 3

Lecturer :
Mode of delivery :
Face-to-face , first term, 30 hours of theory.

Timetable :
First term
Tuesday from 11:00 to 13:00 at 43 Botanique 6

Language of instruction :
Dutch.


Learning outcomes :
The course is an in-depth introduction to sociology. Rather than surveying the field, it explores some of the field's classics and key-authors. By doing this, it aims at raising the students' awareness about the stakes that are at play in each one of the sociological undertakings. These stakes are not only theoretical nor practical; they are also political and even existential. Debates and divergences amongst sociologists will thus be emphasized. More generally, the course aims at giving the students the necessary reference points and meta-understanding of sociology for their future orientation in this field.

Prerequisites :
None

Co-requisites :
None

Course contents :
The course is divided into two parts. The first part presents the founders of the discipline, i.e. those that are referred to today
(Durkheim, Weber, and to a lesser extend, Marx, Tarde, Simmel and the Chicago School). The second part presents the traditions and authors that are at play on today's French-speaking academic scene: critical sociology (Bourdieu, Passeron, Wacquant, and others); symbolic interactionism (Becker, Goffman, and others); actor-network-theory (Hennion, Latour, and others).

Each part will open up to recent publications and reflexions, so as to show the relevance of all theories and authors involved. For instance, Durkheim's work will be complemented by Schnapper's work; Weber's by Boltanski & Chiappello's, or Senett's work; The Chicago School by Tarrius' work; Latour's by Sassen's work; etc. Moreover, documentaries' excerpts will be shown during the lectures.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Lectures & compulsory reading (see recommended reading). Students must take note during classes; lecture notes will be enhanced
by the provided summary (see syllabus) but that summary can by no means replace the attendance to the lectures! As for the compulsory reading, students are advised to read throughout the semester, as soon as the lectures start, for the reading requires some time of initiation and immersion.

Assessment methods and criteria :
Written exam. The exam assesses the student's understanding of the course's contents, as given in class, as well as the contents of the
compulsory reading.

Recommended or required reading :
Goffman, Erving, 1993 (trad.), 1963 (or. angl.). Gestichten: De sociale situatie van gedetineerden, psychiatrische patiënten en andere bewoners van “Totale Inrichtingen”. Utrecht: Bijleveld.
Almost half the book must be read. Exact passages are mentioned in the syllabus.
As for optional reading, references will be given throughout the lectures.

Other information :
The syllabus will be available at the Reprography as well as on esaintlouis.