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), the module serves the profile-building study of sociological theory. Students develop their skills in dealing with sociological theories, in particular by applying theories to challenging empirical topics and problems. In doing so, they develop their ability to scrutinize 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.
Students in the profile-forming degree programme typically choose seminars of the third type.
The module programme is always completed with a written assignment. This always takes the form of a seminar paper.
The study of module 30-M-Soz-M2a should already be completed and the study of module 30-M-Soz-M2b started.
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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] | Sociological Theory | 1. o. 2. o. 3. | one or two semesters | Compulsory optional subject |
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