SOCb2531 Sociology of identity

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 6 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Olga Zhmurko, M.A. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Olga Zhmurko, M.A.
Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Ing. Soňa Enenkelová
Supplier department: Department of Sociology – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Thu 10:00–11:40 U33
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 30 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 10/30, only registered: 0/30, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 0/30
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
there are 7 fields of study the course is directly associated with, display
Course objectives
Course objectives: By the end of the semester, students will gain experience and knowledge on: - the history of the development of identity studies within sociological knowledge; - typologies of the definition of identity, the transformation of approaches; - collective identity under the prism of sociological knowledge; - concepts of visible and invisible features in identity studies; - the “trinity” of identity classification: gender, ethnicity and class, and their demographic, social and symbolic connotations; - identities in organizations.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the semester, students will be able to: - Theorize identity as a socially constructed phenomenon using a sociological perspective; - Discuss previous and contemporary trends in identity studies - Give and receive constructive criticism on the topic
Syllabus
  • Course content • Introduction to the course and brief overview • Evolution and growing centrality of modern sociological discourse on identity • Sociological perspectives on collective identity • Construction(s) of identities • Research of Identities
Teaching methods
The teaching methods used in this course involve weekly lecture meetings, reading of literature, homework exercises and formal writing assignment.The language of instructions is English.
Assessment methods
Activities, requirements, expectations and grading: 1) CLASS PARTICIPATION: Approximately 50 percent the class time will be dedicated to lectures, in which students are encouraged to interact, ask questions and contribute; the remaining 50 minutes will be dedicated to group discussions and practice, based on the reading materials for each class. The discussions (the seminar portion of the classes) will take on a variety of formats. Participation in the class means: contribution to the discussion, based on your weekly reading questions and the topics that arise, participation in group work, and individual presentations. To highlight the importance of participation in our classes, student participation in class discussion accounts for 25 percent of the final course grade. 2) READING, RESEARCH QUESTIONS (FROM WEEKLY LITERATURE OR WEEKLY PRACTICE TASKS): All of the classes are complemented by a list of literature (obligatory and supplementary). Students are required to prepare at least three discussion questions from the obligatory literature assigned for every class. It is expected that students will address critical and reflective questions on the reading materials and how they relate to the study of identity. The list of questions and reflections should be submitted online in the Homework Vaults in the IS (the link will be provided) not later than 9:00 PM the day before class. Based on the questions, we will develop and facilitate group discussion in each class, and they will also let me know that you have read the texts and fulfilled this requirement. The reading and the discussion questions account for another 18 percent of the final grade for the course. 3) PRACTICAL (INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP ASSIGNMENTS): Throughout the semester, students will receive assignments that will help them to better understand the theoretical material and gain practical skills in working with the concept of identity in sociology (27 percent in total). 4) FINAL EXAM: In-class. At the end of the semester, students will receive a written and oral assignment, the completion of which will prove that they have passed the course (30 percent in total). Exam will include writing the answers to 3 open questions on the topic of the course. The detailed instruction will be provided during the course. Grading: The final grade consists of: 1) class participation (25%) 2) weekly discussion questions (18%) 3) practical assignments during the course (27%) 4) final exam (30%) based on compulsory readings. The familiarity with these texts is necessary to pass the course. The students will be offered a list of questions, and will choose 3 of them and answer them in written form.
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2024, Autumn 2024, Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2023/SOCb2531