Social Change

The course is offered at second-cycel level in the subject of sociology. The course can be offered as a free-standing course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Programme for Master in Sociology (S2SOC) and 2) Master's Programme in Strategic Human Resource Management and Labour Relations (S2HRM)

Bachelor's degree in social sciences or equivalent. In addition, language skills equivalent to English 6/English B/English Level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS are required.

The course provides in-depth knowledge about sociological theories and concepts relating to social change and about key aspects of actual processes of social change in modern societies. In contrast to the presentation of such issues at the undergraduate level, the course cultivates a developed ability to problematize and apply the key theoretical perspectives structure/agency and micro/meso/macro. The course is divided into two modules.

1. Theories of Social change and globalisation (Teorier om social förändring och globalisering), 7.5 credits
   This course module deals with general theories of social change in modern society with a particular emphasis on theories and analyses of globalization as a process of change at both agency and structural as well as micro, meso and micro level. 
2. Social movements and social change (Sociala rörelser och social förändring), 7.5 credits
   This course module deals with the role of social movements in social change. Following a theoretical and methodological introduction, the students undertake project work where they empirically investigate and analyse a social movement in relation to its globalized context. The results are presented both in writing and orally. The project work implies an opportunity for the students to elaborate upon and apply the theoretical perspectives presented in the course.

The overall objective of the course is for the students to acquire knowledge about, understand, problematize and apply theories of social change; social movements in relation to social change and globalization as a process of social change.

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe and analyse general theories of social change
• Describe and analyse theories of social movements, protests and collective action
• Describe and analyse theories of globalisation as a form of social change

Skills and abilities

• Critically and creatively compare and apply concepts and theories developed for the analysis of social change processes, in particular with respect to the relationship between structure and agency
• Critically and creatively compare and apply concepts and theories developed for the analysis of social movements and their role in relation to processes of social change
• Critically and creatively compare and apply concepts and theories developed for the analysis of globalization processes and how they function as processes of change at different levels (globally, nationally, locally)
• Search, collect, critically assess, collate, analyse and present empirical material related to social movements based on well-defined research questions. 

Judgement and approach

• Present and reflect on own conclusions and the knowledge and arguments upon which they are based
• Identify own need for further knowledge.

Language of instruction: English

The first course module is examined through two written assignments concerning theories of social change, social movements and globalization. The second course module is examined through a written assignment comprising a project report. An oral presentation of the project work is also required for a pass grade. Three meetings during the second course module (two during the course of the project and one to report the results) are necessary and therefore required for successful completion of the project work.

Restrictions regarding the use of generative AI are specified on the learning platform or equivalent. Students are responsible for informing themselves of the current rules for examination elements such as assignments, seminar assignments and exams in the course in question.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

For Pass with distinction on the whole course, Pass with distinction on both the modules is required. For Pass on the whole course, Pass on both the modules is required.

The course coordinator is to ensure that the students are given an opportunity to anonymously complete a course evaluation either during or at the end of the course. As far as possible, the students should also be given an opportunity to provide an oral course evaluation. A summary of the evaluation results, as well as proposed changes, must be made available to the students and subsequently addressed in connection with the subsequent course introduction.