Introduction to sociology of politics 3500-SSZCZ-SOCPOL

The lecture’s task is to present most important issues of political life in sociological perspective. After
finishing the course and getting familiar with the set books a student will be able to go beyond
common depictions of the world of politics. Above all the lecture is oriented towards presenting
notions indispensable in the scientific analysis of political dimention of social life. The mastery of the
basics of sociology of politics will facilitate the student navigating in the world of civil administration
and can be an element in the process of preparation for eventual work in the public sector.
Main discussed issues: 1. Power as a sociological phenomenon; types and forms of power; 2. The
problem of legitimization of power – social roots of power and their consequences; 3. The notion of
ideology and political ideologies; debate about the end of era of ideologies; 4. Notions of political
system and regime; totalitarian and authoritarian political regimes; 5. Political pluralism in theory
and in practice: political movements and parties; typology of parties; interest groups; 6. Political
elites: classical and contemporary conceptions, 7. Social fundaments of democracy; 11. Political
communication and public opinion; participation, 12. Elementary paradigms of sociology of elections.