Checking date: 26/05/2025 14:39:38


Course: 2025/2026

Structure and social change
(13240)
Bachelor in Political Science (2008 Study Plan) (Plan: 148 - Estudio: 205)


Coordinating teacher: TORRE FERNANDEZ, MARGARITA

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Electives
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Objectives
1) Familiarity with the basic conceptual framework of social stratification research as well as common indicators 2) Interpretation of empirical data presented in form of table or figure 3) Ability to identify and comprehend the main arguments of a scientific text 4) Critical thinking 5) Search for information and data sources on a relevant topic 6) Ability to present orally in front of an audience, and writing skills 7) Cooperation and communication with fellow students
Learning Outcomes
K2: To know the principles and values of democracy and sustainable development, in particular, respect for human rights and fundamental rights, gender equality and non-discrimination, the principles of universal accessibility and climate change. K8: Recognize the historical dimension of political and social processes and explain them in terms of it C2: Identify, understand and know how to use the main theoretical and conceptual approaches and frameworks of the different areas of specialization and subdisciplines of political science S5: Apply the basic techniques and instruments of consulting for the various political actors as well as political communication S10: Understand and use the concepts of social structure and social change, their interdependence and their relationship with the political and economic system
Description of contents: programme
This course introduces students to the major contemporary theories and the central concepts relevant to the study of social stratification in advanced industrial societies, with particular attention to class inequalities. It presents some of the key findings from the comparative literature on social stratification and shows how theoretical debates can be tested against empirical data. The course offers a comprehensive introduction to key debates in the field of social stratification, including debates on meritocracy, the declining significance of social class, the causes of income polarisation, and the determinants of gender and ethnic stratification in contemporary societies. Detailed program: 1. Basic concepts and the theory of Karl Marx 2. Max Weber's theory of social stratification 3. Contemporary schemes of class and status 4. Inequality of income and wealth 5. Poverty and deprivation 6. Class mobility 7. Gender stratification 8. Ethnic stratification 9. Family and inequality 10. Inequality and health 11. The digital divide
Learning activities and methodology
Theoretical classes for the development of competences and knowledge related to the main debates in the field of social stratification. Practical classes to further explain certain issues, as well as to carry out individual tasks; all these tasks are oriented toward the acquisition of the specific competences promoted by the course described above. Individual work of the student includes study of the course material, essay writing, preparation of various tasks and exercises to be carried out during the course of the semester, literature search and library work, attending office hours and written correspondence with organizational purposes, both with classmates as well as with the course instructor(s). Finally, studying for and taking the final exam(s).
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 60
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 40

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Marshall, Gordon. Oxford Dictionary of Sociology. Oxford University Press.. 1998
  • Platt, Lucinda. Understanding Inequalities. Polity Press. 2011
Additional Bibliography
  • Blau, F. Ferber, M and Winkler, A. . The Economics of Women, Men and Work (3d edition). . Prentice Hall. 2001
  • Collins P.H., and Solomos, J. (eds) . Sage Handbook of Race and Ethnic Studies . Sage. 2010

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.