Questions in Contemporary Sociological Theory I

Code:

MSOCI011

Acronym:

QTSC1

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Sociology

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Sociology
Course/CS Responsible:	Masters in Sociology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MSOCI	41	Study plan	1	-	6	41	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

Knowledge of the main theoretical issues of sociological thought
Depth analysis of the new sociological theories about the contemporary
Understanding of the dynamics of globalization and recent theoretical proposals for its analysis
Apprehend the contemporary social inequalities
Knowledge about social values and their transformations

Learning outcomes and competences

Problematize sociological thinking
Analyze and mobilize new sociological theories about the contemporary
Problematize globalization theory and social inequalities
Equating the theoretical debates on contemporary societies
Communication skills, oral and written
Ability to work independently and in a team
Critical ability to search, selection and analysis of information
Learning ability, innovation and creativity.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Introduction: theoretical diversity in sociology
2. Social change and globalisation
3. Capitalism and inequalities
4. Decoloniality and intersectionality

Mandatory literature

Baert, Patrick; Teoria social contemporânea. ISBN: 978-989-8536-32-7
Bauman, Zygmunt; Modernidade Líquida, Zahar Editora, 2000
Beck, Ulrich, 1944-2015; Modernización reflexiva. ISBN: 84-206-2879-4
Carmo, Renato Miguel et al ; Desigualdades Sociais. Portugal e Europa , Mindos Sociais, 2018
Castells, Manuel, 1942-; A sociedade em rede. ISBN: 978-972-31-1411-9
Doogan, Kevin; New capitalism?. ISBN: 978-0-7456-3325-1
Elliott, Anthony; Contemporary social theory. ISBN: 978-0-415-38633-3
Martell, Luke; The^sociology of globalization. ISBN: 978-0-7456-3674-0
Ritzer, George; Modern sociological theory. ISBN: 978-0-07-110177-6
Carastathis, Anna,; Intersectionality : origins, contestations, horizons /. ISBN: 0803285558
Melber, Henning.; Challenging Global Development : Towards Decoloniality and Justice /. ISBN: 3-031-30307-5

Complementary Bibliography

Piketty, Thomas ; Uma Breve História da Igualdade, Temas & Debates, 2022
Costa, António Firmino; Desigualdades Sociais Contemporâneas, Mundos Sociais, 201
INGLEHART, Ronald F.; Les transformations culturelles. Comment les valeurs des individus bouleversent le monde? , Libres Cours, 2019
Miles, Steven; Social theory in the real world. ISBN: 0-7619-6155-0
Elliot, Patricia,; Debates in transgender, queer, and feminist theory : contested sites /. ISBN: 1409403939
Evans, Elizabeth.; Intersectionality in Feminist and Queer Movements : Confronting Privileges /. ISBN: 1-000-74740-9
Clavé-Mercier, Valentin.; Decolonising Political Concepts.. ISBN: 1-03-227591-X

Teaching methods and learning activities

The curriculum unit uses a combination of different types of teaching methods: lectures by teachers and discussion with students in the classroom on the content of the syllabus using illustrative examples; presentation and discussion by students, organised in small groups, of texts and practical cases previously selected and indicated by the teachers. Other activities include helping students to gather information, research the literature and complete assignments.

Teachers publish a document on Moodle with specific information on content and bibliography.

 

 

keywords

Social sciences > Sociology > Societal behaviour

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	5,00
Trabalho escrito	55,00
Exame	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	80,00
Frequência das aulas	30,00
Trabalho de investigação	52,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

 

Assessment components:

- Exam;
- Written assignment;
- Attendance.

The test and the written assignment cover points from the programme and are compulsory assessment components, just like attendance.

To pass the course, the marks obtained in the test and the written assignment must be equal to or greater than 10.

Calculation formula of final grade

 

Teighting of each assessment component in the final grade for the course unit:

- Exam - 40%;
- Written assignment - 55%;

- Attendance - 5%.

The appeal period covers only the Exam.

For  the final grade, the marks obtained during the normal period for written work and attendance will be maintained. The components required to obtain the final grade are compulsory.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Studenst with especial status enjoy specifics rights in acoordance with knowledge assessment FLUP.

Classification improvement

The student may require improvement of classification according to the Faculty Evaluation Standards. Improving classification focuses only on the exam. They will be considered for calculating the final grade and the grades obtained in the other components. It keeps the weighting given to each component and the conditions for approving the course.

Observations

The orientation dossier for the course is published on Moodle. It contains detailed information about all operational and teaching rules, as well as general information about the course. It is essential that you read it carefully.