Learning outcomes

To introduce the student to the way the social sciences approach and conceptualize its object of research: the human reality.

Contents

Drawing on a wide range of international examples and scenarios, the course examines key sociological concepts that we use to understand human behaviour such as: norms, rules and meanings; language and discourse; ritual; and personality and identity construction. Particular themes discussed are: the constant interplay between routines and reflexivity that grounds social order; how the body and our bodily experiences mediate our social reality; and how language plays a multi-faceted role as it describes, reflects and constructs human reality.

Teaching language

English

Evaluation

Numeric 1-5.

Recommended year of study

1. year autumn

Study materials

Alasuutari: Social Theory and Human Reality. Sage 2004.

Belongs to following study modules