Sociology MA, Macro Sociological Theory: Perspectives on Risk, Resilience and Working Life, 7.5 credits

Aim

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to a spectrum of sociological theories focusing on the macro level of analysis. This includes large-scale, long-term social processes and phenomena, and additionally structures and social forces that organise, stabilise, rupture, and divide individuals and societies. Moreover, it explores the interplay between these theories and those addressing risk, resilience, and working life in order to provide students with tools to conduct insightful analyses of various social settings.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be equipped to:

• Describe and compare macro-sociological theories related to social and structural processes and theories addressing risk, resilience, and working life and their influences on individuals and societies.
• Analyse social structural changes in society and their implications for societal resilience.
• Apply macro-sociological theories in an analysis of real-life scenarios to understand social and structural changes over time.

Content

In this course, we discuss a selection of theories concerning the interface and connections between risk and resilience on the one hand and working life and welfare on the other. We delve into theories of risk society, stratification, segregation, and equity. The course includes the demographic component of societal change and a comparative analysis of various societies. The course is divided into two sections: the first one focuses on diverse orientations of macro-sociological theories on social processes, ruptures, and resilience. The second section focuses on the application of these theories to a number of selected cases.

Entry requirements

A bachelor's degree of at least 180 credits in social or behavioural sciences, of which a minimum of 60 credits in sociology. English course 6/English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School. (Gymnasium) or the equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Teaching is in the form of lectures and seminars.

Examination form

1000: Seminars, 2 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale
In the event of absence from a mandatory seminar, a completion task is given.

2000: Exam Paper, 4.5 Credits
Grade scale: Three-grade scale

3000: Peer Review, 1 Credits
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

The course is examined through a written assignment and seminars.

Criteria for assessment: see discipline specific criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered on this version of the syllabus are entitled to be examined three (3) times within one (1) year according to this syllabus. Thereafter, the latest version of the syllabus applies.

Grading system

Three-grade scale