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851-0581-01L 3 Credits DS D-GESS

Introduction to Sociology: Concepts, Theory and Models

Einführung in die Soziologie: Konzepte, Theorien und Modelle

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Dirk Helbing
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:28:37

Abstract

This lecture introduces fundamental problems of sociology. In this connection, I will discuss theoretical concepts of sociology, referring to ideas of its historical "godfathers". Where possible, simple mathematical models will be introduced.

Objective

The students of this course should learn to understand the problems sociology deals with, furthermore its theoretical concepts, and simple mathematical models. They should also be able to explain these concepts and interpret social phenomena from the perspective of social theory.

Content

This lecture introduces fundamental problems of sociology such as action and learning, social interaction, socialization and roles, social control, norms, and conformity, difference and inequality, deviance and crime, integration and conflict, social structure and stratification, groups and organizations, social institutions, collective behavior, social change and social movements, and culture. In this connection, I will discuss theoretical concepts such as functionalism, evolutionary concepts, conflict theories, symbolic interactionism, exchange, network and structural theories, referring to ideas of the historical "godfathers" of sociology like Auguste Comte, Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, Georg Simmel, Talcott Parsons etc., but recent work as well. Where possible I will also introduce simple mathematical models.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script or transparencies will only be provided, where a subject is not well covered by the recommended literature. The study of selected literature related to the lectures is expected.

Literature

J. H. Turner: The Structure of Sociological Theory (Thomson Wadsworth, 2003) A. Giddens: Soziologie (Nausner & Nausner, 1999) K. Feldmann: Soziologie kompakt (Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, 2005) H. Joas: Lehrbuch der Soziologie (Campus, 2007) N. J. Smelser: Sociology (Prentice Hall, 1995) R. Stark: Sociology (Thomson Wadsworth, 2007) John. J. Macionis: Sociology (Prentice Hall, 2007) James S. Coleman: Foundations of Social Theory (Harvard University, 1990) G. Ritzer and D. J. Goodman: Sociological Theory (McGraw Hill, 2004) H. Korte: Einführung in die Geschichte der Soziologie (Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, 2006) Further references will be given in the lecture.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
DS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Einführung in die Soziologie: Konzepte, Theorien und Modelle
Die, 9.00-11.00 im UNO A11 (Universitätstr. 41), Prüfung am 27.5. im CHN E42
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In