Introduction to the Social Sciences

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

The course is organized into T and P sessions. In the theoretical lectures the syllabus topics are systematized and the outlines of the theoretical methodological and analytical orientations of the course are presented. In the practical sessions topics are the object of collective discussion, based on the materials selected for study and the work done by students. The active participation of students in the course is stimulated, particularly in the practical sessions, which are mainly organized around texts presentations and discussions and materials previously prepared by the students.

Learning Outcomes

Overall objectives

The general objective of this curricular unit is to familiarize the students with the epistemological, methodological and theoretical foundations of the social sciences.

Specific objectives and competencies

- To understand and to interpret basic concepts of social sciences;

- To know and to understand the scientific method;

- Awareness of a multidimensional and interdisciplinary view of contemporary socio-economic realities, promoting dialogue between the contributions of economics and sociology and other social sciences

- Exercise of analytical, critical and reflective reasoning characteristic of the scientific interpretation of social reality.

Overall competencies

Awareness of key issues and themes in the analysis of contemporary times.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. The social sciences: nature, purpose and evolution

2. The process of research in social sciences: methodology and research techniques

3. The economic and political relations on a global scale: the world system and globalization processes

4. The logics of socio-economic development in advanced capitalist societies: science, technology and risk society

5. The ordering of social relations: inequalities, social hierarchies and differentiations

6. The consumer society: lifestyles, culture and market.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Raquel Borges Barros de Matos

Assessment Methods

Continuous Assessment
Synthesis work: 40.0%
Exam : 60.0%

Final Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Almeida, João Ferreira de (coord.), Introdução à Sociologia. Lisboa, Universidade Aberta, 1995.

Comissão Gulbenkian Sobre a Reestruturação das Ciências Sociais, Para abrir as ciências sociais. Mem-Martins, Europa-América, 1996.

Costa, António Firmino, “Desigualdades globais”. Sociologia , Problemas e Práticas, 68, 2012.

Duarte, Alice (2011), “O consumo para os outros: os presentes” in Alice Duarte, O consumo para os outros – os presentes como linguagem da sociabilidade. Porto, U.Porto Editorial, 99-138.

Fortuna, Carlos, O fio da meada. O algodão de Moçambique, Portugal e a Economia-mundo (1860-1960). Porto, Afrontamento, 1993.

Giddens, Anthony, Sociologia. Lisboa, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, 8ª Ed., 2010.

Santos, Boaventura de Sousa (org), Globalização: fatalidade ou Utopia?, Porto: Afrontamento, 2001.

Silva, Augusto Santos, Dinâmicas Sociais do Nosso Tempo. Porto, Editora da Universidade de Porto, 2002