Социологическая теория

Бакалавриат 2026/2027

Статус: Курс по выбору (Социология и социальная информатика)

Кто читает: Департамент социологии

Где читается: Санкт-Петербургская школа социальных наук

Когда читается: 2-й курс, 1, 2 модуль

Охват аудитории: для своего кампуса

Преподаватели: Александров Даниил Александрович

Язык: английский

Кредиты: 6

Контактные часы: 56

Full Syllabus Ask Question

Abstract

This course explores the fundamental elements of modern sociology and the logic of constructing empirical research. Students will become familiar with the concept of middle-range theories and the fundamental principles of analytical sociology, which aims to identify social mechanisms and causal relationships between social phenomena. The course examines the key stages of research project development: formulating the research problem and research question, constructing testable hypotheses, and conceptualizing and operationalizing theoretical concepts. Particular attention is paid to the principles of causal inference in the social sciences and the use of causal models to analyze social processes.

Learning Objectives

кnow the comlexity of social systems
develop the ability to think critically about social issues in light of the key concepts underlying major sociological theories

Expected Learning Outcomes

- to use sociological theory for development of sociological research design
- be able to differentiate social actions and social behavior, explain social actions through social mechanisms
- understand the link between micro-actions and macro-outcomes
- generate simple middle-range theories
- develop academic skills in reading, writing, and presentation.

Course Contents

Introduction. Social Facts.
Nature of social explanation. Theories of the middle range
Process of instantiation. Concepts and nomological networks
Thought experiments in social science. the nature of relationships
Causal relations. Defining causality
Developing causal diagrams from scratch
The Role of Emotions in descision making
Nature and role of beliefs
Preferences (desires)
Opportunity structure
Social norms

Assessment Elements

Tests
Written tests based on reading materials.
Activity
Group Project
Students in groups develop thought experiments based on a chosen theory: formulate hypotheses (including a moderating relationship), operationalize concepts, and present three experiments with visualization of results. The theory should explain phenomena, and hypotheses should indicate the direction and strength of relationships. The project is defended in a presentation format
Midterm Exam
Tests
Activity
Group Project
Students develop a causal model (diagram) on a chosen topic, including 4–7 variables with moderation and mediation effects. They must describe the theory, conceptualize and operationalize concepts, formulate hypotheses for each relationship, and indicate types of relationships (endogenous/exogenous variables). The model should reflect mechanisms of social action (desires, beliefs, opportunities, etc.).
Final Exam

Interim Assessment

2026/2027 1st module
0.25 * Group Project + 0.25 * Activity + 0.25 * Midterm Exam + 0.25 * Tests
2026/2027 2nd module
0.25 * Group Project + 0.25 * Activity + 0.25 * Final Exam + 0.25 * Tests

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Abrutyn, S. (2016). Handbook of Contemporary Sociological Theory. Switzerland: Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1251393
Rousseau, N. (2014). Society Explained : An Introduction to Sociology. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=752270

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Bearman, P., & Hedström, P. (2009). The Oxford Handbook of Analytical Sociology. Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=381029
Dillon, M. (2014). Introduction to Sociological Theory : Theorists, Concepts, and Their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century (Vol. Second edition). Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=667235
Manzo, G. (2014). Analytical Sociology : Actions and Networks. Hoboken: Wiley. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=714658
Segre, S. (2014). Contemporary Sociological Thinkers and Theories. Farnham, Surrey: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=797017
Sloman, S. A. (2005). Causal Models : How People Think About the World and Its Alternatives. Oxford: Oxford University Press, USA. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=552942
Wright, J. D. (2015). International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences (Vol. Second edition). Amsterdam: Elsevier. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=957369

Authors

KUDRIASHOVA VARVARA SERGEEVNA
Aleksandrov Daniil Aleksandrovich
ERMOLAEVA APOLLINARIIA ALEKSANDROVNA

Course Syllabus