Module 30-M-Soz-M15a Sociology of Law and Regulation a

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), students acquire basic theoretical and empirical knowledge based on the latest findings in the sociology of law and regulation. The seminars of the module impart the ability to methodically grasp and theoretically reflect on the normative basic structures of society and the forms of regulation based on them.

Students acquire the elementary ability to develop and independently work on questions relating to the sociology of law and regulation. The module enables theoretical reflection and methodically controlled empirical analysis of problems in the sociology of law and regulation.

As part of the module, students will acquire theoretical, empirical and application-related knowledge of the sociology of law and regulation: In theoretical terms, the role of norms, law and regulation in modern society is dealt with. In addition to theoretical comparisons, corresponding theories are related to current empirical research and application-related questions, for example in the field of constitutional sociology, the sociology of legal systems, risk regulation or the regulation of science and technology. Students learn to understand how security of expectations is normatively guaranteed in modern society and which options result from this for shaping social conditions. Theoretical questions and diagnoses of legally organised society are discussed, particularly with regard to the relationships between law and other areas of society such as politics, science, business and the media. In empirical terms, the relationships between law and politics under the conditions of world society, including their critical evaluation, represent an important point of reference. Students learn to gain an empirically sound view of law and regulation in various areas of society by drawing on theoretical concepts and developing empirical questions. From an application-oriented perspective, students acquire knowledge about the organisational forms of law and regulation, about the organisational mechanisms of social promotion and control of various areas of life and about their problems. Students are enabled to understand the conditions and instruments of social regulation.

Basic knowledge of the sociology of law and regulation at the level of introductory literature

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