Checking date: 17/06/2025 08:29:57


Course: 2025/2026

Comparative Sociology
(16617)
Bachelor in International Studies (2018 Study Plan) (Plan: 408 - Estudio: 305)


Coordinating teacher: FERNANDEZ GONZALEZ, JUAN JESUS

Department assigned to the subject: Social Sciences Department

Type: Basic Core
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:

Branch of knowledge: Social Sciences and Law



Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
Due to the fact that Comparative Sociology is an introductory class, no other class is necessary to enroll in it.
Objectives
To acquire knowledge and comprehension to: -Students will be able to know the main analytical approaches in comparative social science -Students will be able to know the main objectives of comparative sociology -Students will be able to know the main dimensions of contemporary societies. -Students will be able to distinguish between structural, economic, cultural and political approaches. -Students will be able to identify cross-national differences based on descriptive evidence. -Students will be able to link theoretical models and socioeconomic and political indicators. Transferable aims: - To increase the capacity to deal with abstract concepts. - To improve the ability to formalize theoretically an economic problem. - To acquire agility in solving practical problems. - To foster teamwork ability. - To be able to perform critical analysis of arguments and theories. - To improve oral and written communication.
Learning Outcomes
K1: Acquire the knowledge, techniques and terminology specific to the field of economics, politics and international relations. K3: To know basic humanistic contents, oral and written expression, following ethical principles and completing a multidisciplinary training profile. K4: Acquire knowledge of the economic, legal, political and social reality from a comparative perspective. K9: To know the relevant political and sociological theories to understand the structure and functioning of the main socio-political systems. S3: Plan and organize team work making the right decisions based on available information and gathering data in digital environments. S5: Apply knowledge to identify with rigor, precision and scientific objectivity the social processes and possible solutions. S8: Knowing how to propose and use the appropriate tools to solve basic problems of economic, social and political content, especially in the international context. S10: Ability to gather and interpret relevant data and knowledge for the elaboration and defense of arguments on topics in their area of study. C1: To know how to analyze, elaborate and defend individually a problem of interdisciplinary field of the Degree applying the knowledge, skills, tools and strategies acquired or developed in it. C3: Ability to establish good interpersonal communication and to work in multidisciplinary and international teams. C4: Be able to engage in lifelong autonomous learning, enabling them to adapt to new situations.
Description of contents: programme
Topic 1 - What is Sociology? Topic 2 - What is Comparative Sociology? Topic 3 - Theoretical Approaches in Comparative Sociology Topic 4 - The Practice of Sociology Topic 5 - Comparative Demography Topic 6 - International Migration Topic 7 - Social Class Topic 8 - Race and Ethnicity Topic 9 - Gender Inequalities Topic 10 - Family Structures Topic 11 - Changing Values Topic 12 - Education
Learning activities and methodology
Lectures: In the lectures we will discuss the readings and the critical evidence needed to test the main theories. Reduced lectures: Each week we will have presentations, debates based on the readings and discussions of the essays. Students will have to participate actively in class.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination/test 40
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 60

Calendar of Continuous assessment


Extraordinary call: regulations
Basic Bibliography
  • Alber, Jens, Tony Fahey and Chiara Saraceno. . Handbook of Quality of Life in the Enlarged European Union. Routledge. 2008
  • Brady, David. Poor People in Rich Countries: How Politics Explain Poverty. . Oxford. 2009
  • Frank van Tubergen . Introduction to Sociology. Taylor & Francis. 2020
  • Immerfall, Stefan and Göran Therborn.. Handbook of European Societies. . Springer. 2010
  • Mau, Steffen and Roland Verwiebe. European Societies: Mapping Structure and Change. Policy Press. 2010
  • Sümer, Sevil. European Gender Regimes and Policies: Comparative Perspective. . Ashgate. 2011

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