Cultural Sociology 3223-AMMS-CS
The aim of this course is to explore the study field of cultural sociology. The course uses a comparative case study approach to investigate a variety of global cultures, societies and identities, with some focus on those ones in Europe that have, in good ways and bad, played a crucial role in shaping the contemporary world.
The course content offers an introduction into cultural sociology, or the meanings people attach to their groups and interactions through meaning-making. It will examine the theory and major scholarly debates within cultural sociology in reference to specific examples drawn from Asia (China, India, Arabs and Jews), Africa, The Americas (North and South) and Europe (Britain, France, Germany and Russia).
Students will be required to actively engage in classroom discussions around the resources provided by the instructor and to deliver a presentation on an assigned topic. The final exam will be an opinion essay allowing students to practically apply knowledge and competences acquired during the course.
Introduction: Key Concepts (Cultures, Societies, Identities)
The Huntington-Fukuyama Debate: Cultures and Societies in the 21 st Century
One Nation Under God? Society, Culture(s) and Identities in the United States
Tao Wang Yang Hui? At the Dawn of the Chinese Century
The World’s Largest Democracy? Paradoxes of Indian Society and Cultures
Spread Love Everywhere You Go? The Many Faces of Arab Societies and Cultures
God’s Chosen People? Jewish Culture(s) and Identities
A Source of Hope for the World? African Societies and Cultures
Socialismo o muerte? The Microcosm of Latin America
United in Diversity? The Search for a European Identity
A Semi-United Kingdom? British Cultural Identities
Nos Ancêtres les Gaulois? Social Identities in Multicultural France
Geschichtspolitik über alles? Dealing with Germany’s Nazi Burden Vol'no dyshit chelovyek? Russia between Post-Communism and Neo-Imperialism
Conclusions and Final Exam
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands:
-social, cultural and political issues in relation to the dilemmas of modern civilization
-relations between language and culture and religion sciences as well as sociology
-at an advanced level cultural diversity and its transformations, cultural identity, interaction and intercultural communication
Skills: the graduate is able to:
-prepare written works in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism in English (including works bearing the features of a scientific text)
-search, analyse and utilise information using available sources
-recognize different genres of texts and conduct their in-depth analysis and interpretation using various methods
-argue substantively using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions
-integrate knowledge relevant to multilingualism and multiculturalism
-make a simple analysis of the consequences of processes taking place in contemporary societies
Social competences: the graduate is ready to:
-recognise the importance of knowledge and seek expert advice when problems arise
-critically assess knowledge and skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
Assessment criteria
Active participation (project/presentation and classroom discussions): 50%
Final exam (written): 50%
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: