Every semester
14 Credit points
For information on the duration of the modul, refer to the courses of study in which the module is used.
Non-official translation of the module descriptions. Only the German version is legally binding.
As part of the General Competence Concept for the MA in Sociology (see https://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fakultaeten/soziologie/studium/master/pdf/Kompetenzkonzept_Masterstudiengaenge.pdf), this module provides in-depth training in sociological theory. In addition to the opportunity to become fundamentally familiar with other theories of sociology, it provides students with in-depth knowledge in relation to the comparative assessment of theories and their application to selected empirical questions. Students also learn to check theoretical decisions in terms of their historical background, conceptual motives and alternatives, as well as to adopt their own theoretical positions and reflect on these in the light of counter-arguments.
Sociological theory describes and explains social reality with a higher degree of abstraction than empirical research is capable of. It allows students to see every day experiences and empirical research results in larger contexts in which they are presented in new and different ways.
The seminar programme on sociological theory comprises three different types of seminar: A first type of seminar provides basic knowledge of a single sociological theory (such as systems theory, rational choice theories, critical theory, interpretative sociologies, etc.). A second type of seminar deals with several theories side by side and imparts knowledge of the technology of theory comparison. A third type of seminar focuses on specific topics (politics, religion, art, etc.) or problems (inequality, globalisation, nationalism, etc.) and examines them from different theoretical perspectives.
The module programme is always completed with a written assignment. This always takes the form of a seminar paper.
Students of the in-depth theory module are particularly recommended to choose seminars of types two and three.
Completed or at least commenced study of module 30-M-Soz-M2a.
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As an alternative to studying Seminar 1 and Seminar 2, a large seminar with double the scope can be taken.
Module structure: 1-2 SL, 1 bPr 1
| Allocated examiner | Workload | LP2 |
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Teaching staff of the course
Alternativ zu Seminar 1 und Seminar 2: großes Seminar
(seminar)
Participation in group work (including working on exercises, development of research designs, data collection and evaluation), moderation or protocol activities and presentations as specified by the lecturer. The coursework is used for communicative (written and/or oral) practice and learning of the competences to be acquired with a focus on the interaction situation of the seminar. The coursework is part of the self-study and attendance time and corresponds to approximately 60 hours. |
see above |
see above
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Teaching staff of the course
Seminar 1
(seminar)
Participation in group work (including working on exercises, developing research designs, collecting and analyzing data), moderation or taking minutes and presentations as specified by the lecturer. The coursework is used for communicative (written and/or oral) practice and learning of the competences to be acquired with a focus on the interaction situation of the seminar. The coursework is part of the self-study and attendance time and corresponds to approximately 30 hours. |
see above |
see above
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Teaching staff of the course
Seminar 2
(seminar)
Participation in group work (including working on exercises, developing research designs, collecting and analyzing data), moderation or taking minutes and presentations as specified by the lecturer. The coursework is used for communicative (written and/or oral) practice and learning of the competences to be acquired with a focus on the interaction situation of the seminar. The coursework is part of the self-study and attendance time and corresponds to approximately 30 hours. |
see above |
see above
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| Degree programme | Profile | Recommended start 3 | Duration | Mandatory option 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology / Master of Arts [FsB vom 17.12.2012 mit Änderungen vom 17.03.2014, 30.11.2018, 01.11.2022, 28.06.2024 und 15.11.2024] | General Profile | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
| Sociology / Master of Arts [FsB vom 17.12.2012 mit Änderungen vom 17.03.2014, 30.11.2018, 01.11.2022, 28.06.2024 und 15.11.2024] | Sociology of Work and Economics | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
| Sociology / Master of Arts [FsB vom 17.12.2012 mit Änderungen vom 17.03.2014, 30.11.2018, 01.11.2022, 28.06.2024 und 15.11.2024] | Organizational Sociology | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
| Sociology / Master of Arts [FsB vom 17.12.2012 mit Änderungen vom 17.03.2014, 30.11.2018, 01.11.2022, 28.06.2024 und 15.11.2024] | Political Sociology | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
| Sociology / Master of Arts [FsB vom 17.12.2012 mit Änderungen vom 17.03.2014, 30.11.2018, 01.11.2022, 28.06.2024 und 15.11.2024] | Social Structures and Social Inequality | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
| Sociology / Master of Arts [FsB vom 17.12.2012 mit Änderungen vom 17.03.2014, 30.11.2018, 01.11.2022, 28.06.2024 und 15.11.2024] | Sociology of the Global World | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
| Sociology / Master of Arts [FsB vom 17.12.2012 mit Änderungen vom 17.03.2014, 30.11.2018, 01.11.2022, 28.06.2024 und 15.11.2024] | Sociological Methods | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
| Sociology / Master of Arts [FsB vom 17.12.2012 mit Änderungen vom 17.03.2014, 30.11.2018, 01.11.2022, 28.06.2024 und 15.11.2024] | Sociological Theory | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
The system can perform an automatic check for completeness for this module.
Sociology / Master of Arts // General Profile
Sociology / Master of Arts // Sociology of Work and Economics
Sociology / Master of Arts // Organizational Sociology
Sociology / Master of Arts // Political Sociology
Sociology / Master of Arts // Social Structures and Social Inequality
Sociology / Master of Arts // Sociology of the Global World