Applied sociology 1600-SZD-N-SST-SOC
The starting point for considerations on the assumptions of Applied Sociology is the analysis of the achievements of Adam Podgórecki as a forerunner of practicing applied social sciences in Poland and co-founder of an interdisciplinary center for applied research at the University of Warsaw (1970s, IPSiR UW). Seminar organized in the form of four modules is conducted by scientists from university organizational units where applied social sciences are currently developed. These are: Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Resocialization: ISNS (Marek Rymsza) and IPSiR (Mikołaj Pawlak) and the Institute of Social Studies named after Professor Robert Zajonc (Anna Domaradzka). The issues covered during the classes also include topics such as: four types of sociological knowledge according to M. Burrawoy, with particular emphasis on the concept of public sociology, formatting the role of a scientist-expert (applied approach vs. engaged approach), real and apparent activities in a sociological approach, the concept of generating scientific knowledge within a social laboratory on the example of Citi-Lab UW, scientific monitoring of public activities on the example of UODI-UW and other.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: Knows and understands:
WG_01 - to the extent necessary for existing paradigms to be revised - a worldwide body of work, covering theoretical foundations as well as general and selected specific issues - relevant to a particular discipline within the social sciences
WK_02 - economic, legal, ethical and other relevant determinants of scientific activity in the field of the social sciences
WK_03 - the basic principles of knowledge transfer to the economic and social areas and commercialisation of the results of scientific activities in the field of the social sciences and of the know-how related to these results
Other: Knows and understands the professional framework of expert activity within the role
Skills: Can:
UW_02 - critically analysing and evaluating the results of scientific research in the field of the social sciences, expert and other creative work and their contribution to the advancement of knowledge.
UW_03 - transferring the results of scientific activities in the field of the social sciences to the economic and social areas
Other: Understands and internalizes the boundaries of professional expert involvement in public affairs, taking into account ethical aspects.
Social competences: Is ready to:
KO_01 - fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators
KO_02 - fulfilling social obligations and taking actions in the public interest, in particular in initiating actions in the public interest
KR_01 - sustaining and developing the ethos of the research and creative communities, including:- carrying out scientific activities in an independent manner, - respecting the principle of public ownership of scientific results, taking into account the principles of protection of intellectual propertyforms of classes; Conversation lecture
Other: Cooperation with the social environment within the framework of social co-production of scientific knowledge
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the permitted number of explained absences
Seminar is organized into four thematic modules – seminar meetings. Absence from one seminar meeting is permitted.
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session);
The basis for passing is attendance at classes and preparation of a final essay on one of the topics from the list.
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes; Written credit
discussion of the final essay
Evaluation criteria: pass without a grade
Bibliography
Berger P., Luckmann T., The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge, The Penguin Press, London 1967.
Burawoy M., For public sociology, “American Sociological Review” 2005, 70(1), p. 4–28.
Domaradzka, A., Hamel, P. (eds), Handbook of Urban Social Movements. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham 2024.
Domaradzka, A., Klucze do miasta. Ruchy miejskie jako aktorzy w polu polityki miejskiej, Scholar, Warszawa 2021.
Elster, J., Nuts and Bolts for the Social Sciences, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1992.
Kwaśniewski J., Winczorek J. (red.), Idee naukowe Adama Podgóreckiego, IPSiR UW, Warszawa 2009.
Lutyński, J., Nauka i polskie problemy: komentarz socjologa, PIW, Warszawa 1990.
Merton, R., Teoria socjologiczna i struktura społeczna, PWN, Warszawa 2002.
Pawlak M., Unintended Consequences of Institutional Work, in: Mica A., Peisert A., Winczorek J. (eds.), Sociology and the Unintended. Robert Merton Revisited, p. 355-370.
Podgórecki A. Mega-sociology, IPSiR UW, Warszawa 2016.
Podgórecki A., Charakterystyka nauk praktycznych. PWN, Warszawa, 1962.
Podgórecki A., Kubin J. (red.), Stosowanie nauk spo³ecznych w praktyce, Ossolineum, Wrocław 1973.
Rymsza M., Aktywizacja w polityce społecznej. W stronę rekonstrukcji europejskich welfare states?, Wydawnictwo IFiS PAN, Warszawa 2013.
Skrzypczak B., W kierunku społecznościowej pracy socjalnej. Edukacyjno-środowiskowe determinanty interwencji publicznej, Centrum Wspierania Aktywności Lokalnej CAL, Warszawa 2014.
Sztompka, P., The Sociology of Social Change, Basil Blackwell, Oxford 1993.
Touraine, A., Po kryzysie, przeł. M. Frybes, Oficyna Naukowa Warszawa 2013.
Wiliams S., Conflict of Interest. The Ethical Dilemma in Politics, Gower, Aldershot 1985.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: