PhD seminar for the discipline Sociological Sciences: Applied Sociology 1600-SZD-SD-SOC
The starting point for the presentation of Applied Sociology is analysis of the outcome of
Adam Podgórecki as the precursor of conducting applied social research in Poland and co-founder of interdisciplinary center at the University of Warsaw (decade of 70., XX century, IPSiR UW). The seminar course organized in 4 merit units is to be run by scholars from the University units where applied social sciences research is currently conducted. These are: Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Resocialization ( IPSiR and ISNS), Institute of Sociology, European Center, and Institute of Social Studies.
Unit 1. Applied sociology and engaged sociology:
- A. Podgórecki’s concept of Sociotechnics as a practical (social) science.
- Validity of output of A. Podgórecki for contemporary research and analyses.
- M. Burawoy concept of Public Sociology and E. Wnuk-Lipiński concept of Sociology of Public Life;
- Action research: methodological assumptions and research practice;
- Social Laboratory at the University as a place of research and a research methodology.
Unit 2. Intervention in public life and its consequences – critical approach in applied social sciences.
- Aims, means, and strategies of collective action – the conceptualizations of R. Merton and A. Najam.
- Structural intervention in public life and its social costs.
- Side effects – the conceptualization of A. Hirshman and reversal effect – the conceptualization of R. Boudon.
- Identification of side-effects and unexpected consequences of implementation of public programs as a professional expert’s competence.
- A new mode of intervention: co-production of social change; the role of citizens and civil society.
Unit 3. Applied Sociology and social change. The example of the Polish transformation / transition.
- Sociology of social change – the conceptualization of P. Sztompka.
- Sociological analyses of structural reforms.
- Two approaches to analyses of systemic reforms: transformation and transition.
- The Polish school of Sociology of Transformation.
- Toward Interpretive Sociology and critical analyses of social and systemic changes.
Unit 4: Applied Sociology: sociologist as an expert.
- Sociologist in co-operation with the public administration entities.
- Sociologist in co-operation with the NGOs and other civil society entities.
- Sociologist as a free-lancer and in co-operation with commercial companies.
- Sociologist as an independent interpreter of public affairs.
- Limits of sociologist’s direct engagement in public life – the Code of Ethics.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
- Getting to know the assumption of Applied Sociology and Engaged Sociology as two paradigms of developing ‘practical-oriented knowledge’ in the field of social sciences;
- Knowledge about forms and formats of public activity of a sociologist in a role of a professional expert.
- Understanding the ethical aspects, dilemmas, and limits of the engagement of the expert in the sphere of public affairs.
- Getting to know the output of the Polish school of Sociology of Transformation
Assessment criteria
- Assessment Tasks: Each participant prepares written paper (fixed on Applied Sociology) and ‘defends’ it in a conversation with the coordinator of the course. Two themes to choose will be given after consultation with the group of participants.
- Learning Outcomes Assessment: individual meeting with each of seminar participants to discuss their papers; discussions during the seminar units.
- Assessment criteria: active participation in the seminar meetings (minimum in 3 of 4 meetings) preparing and defending the written pape
Bibliography
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Podgórecki A. – selected publications.
Rymsza, M., Socjologiczne aspekty polityki społecznej w ujęciu V. George’a i P/.Wildinga,
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Sztompka, P., Trauma wielkiej zmiany. Społeczne koszty transformacji, ISP PAN, Warszawa 2000.
Sztompka, P., Socjologia zmian społecznych, Znak, Kraków 2007.
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Wnuk-Lipiński, E., Rozpad połowiczny. Szkice z socjologii transformacji ustrojowej, ISP PAN, Warszawa 1991.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: