Contemporary sociological theory

Third-cycle level | 7.5 credits | Course code: SC30007
VT 2026
Study period: 2026-04-02 - 2026-06-12
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION: The course is given in English
Application period: 2025-11-06 - 2026-02-19
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Course description

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of some major contemporary sociological theories and perspectives. The course covers theoretical approaches on different levels (macro, meso, and micro), and has a particular focus on the analytical connections between these levels in order to develop an understanding of the interdependence of individual/collective agency and structural patterns and processes.The course includes a number of specific modules which may vary, but they will cover general theoretical problems such as: social agency and resources for action, social interactions, relations and practices, social inequalities and power, and culture, structure and institutions.

Target group

The course is a compulsory theory course for doctoral students in Sociology at the Department of Sociology and Work Science at the University of Gothenburg.

Requirements and Selection

Entry requirements

Qualifying applicants are persons admitted to postgraduate studies in sociology or other corresponding areas at the University of Gothenburg or another university.

Selection

Students are accepted to the course in the following priority order:

Doctoral students enrolled at the Department of sociology and work science at the University of Gothenburg,  Linnaeus University and Lund University.

Doctoral students enrolled at the Faculty of Social Science at the University of Gothenburg

Doctoral students enrolled at another faculty at the University of Gothenburg or another university in Sweden

Doctoral students enrolled at a university outside Sweden

Educational partnership

The course is given in collaboration with the Linnaeus university. 

 

Other information

Kursen har följande träffar online/på campus:

2 April at 13:15 - introduction on Zoom 

23 April at 13:15 - 17:15 seminars with compulsory attendance at campus in Göteborg. Optional dinner at 18:30, paid by the participant

24 April at10:15-12:00 seminar with compulsory attendance at campus in Göteborg

18 May at 13:30 -17:15 seminars with compulsory attendance at campus in Växjö. Optional dinner at 18:30, paid by the participant

19 May at 9:00 - 11:00 seminar with compulsory attendance at campus in Växjö

12 June at 10:00 - ca 17:00 examination seminar with compulsory attendance at campus in Göteborg

Course syllabus

SC30007

Reading and reference list

Reading and reference list for the course

Department

Department of Sociology and Work Science

Subject

Social Science

Type of course

Subject area course

Keywords

Samtida sociologisk teori, contemporary sociological theory

CONTACTIréne Carlensberg

irene.carlensberg@gu.se