Cultural Sociology
This course offers an introduction to cultural sociology as a sociological subdiscipline, with a focus on key themes, theories, scientific debates, and commonly used methods in empirical research.
The aim of the course is to provide students with an understanding of how cultural dimensions shape social life. It explores how meaning is created, communicated, and interpreted in various social contexts, as well as how cultural symbols and social practices both form and are formed through processes such as social distinction-making, social categories and boundaries, identity construction, collective communication, lifestyles, and both elite and popular culture.
Through participation in this course, students will gain deeper insight into the theoretical foundations and current research frontier within cultural sociology. The course analyzes cultural meaning systems using a variety of methods and empirical examples, including social norms, media representations, discourses, cultural production, and symbolic boundaries.
The course is taught over 10 weeks on a half-time basis. It consists of advanced seminars with student-led discussions of the required course literature. In-person attendance and active participation is required.
Teaching Format
The course is designed to encourage active student participation through student-led seminars focused on the course literature. Reading the required literature in advance of the seminar and seminar attendance are mandatory. Up to 2 absences may be compensated with supplementary assignments.
Assessment
Assessment is based on performance in the role of discussion leader for one seminar, active participation in all other seminars, and individual written assignments. To pass the course, students must complete all mandatory tasks, attend at least 75% of classes, and achieve at least an E grade on the final course paper. Grades are awarded on a seven-point scale: A–F.
Examiner
Questions about master's studies
For questions about the master’s programmes in Demography and Sociology or our master’s courses, such as admissions, registrations, study breaks and transfer of credits, you are welcome to contact the master's assistant directors.
Anna Borén, Anna Carin Haag
Study counsellor
For guidance on study techniques, academic planning, grade transfers, certificates, and more.
If you run into problems with your studies, you are welcome to contact the counsellor, who works under a duty of confidentiality.
You can also book a meeting with the counsellor if you need long-term study and career planning.
Visiting hoursTisdagar 15:00-16:00
Fredagar 10:00-11:00
Phone hoursTuesdays 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Fridays 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
