Programme description for Bachelor's Programme in Sociology (2024–2027)

Upon completion of the program, the candidate shall:

KNOWLEDGE

• have a broad knowledge of central perspectives, concepts, theories and methods in sociology
• know how theoretical perspectives and concepts are used in studies of how social interaction shapes small and large societal structures and how societal structures and processes shape living conditions for man
• know of important historical developments in sociology as a discipline
• be familiar with descriptions of, and perspectives on, social change
• be able to describe typical characteristics of modern societies along economic, political, social and cultural dimensions
• know about global differences and similarities between societies, and how globalization affects individual lives
• know of central and recent research in sociology in general, with a particular focus on welfare and gender equality, family and childhood, globalization and multiculturalism, discrepancies and crime
• be able to explain the different methods that social scientists use to obtain and analyze data

SKILLS

• be able to apply sociological perspectives and theories in analyzes of key societal issues and developments
• be able to participate in academic discussions with the ability to give and receive criticism in a constructive way
• be able to design relevant issues and use different scientific methods
• be able to use their knowledge within the sociological subject areas to identify important societal problems and development trends, find, evaluate and refer to relevant information on these in a reflected way
• be able to collect data and express themselves in writing and orally

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• be able to explain important research ethical issues
• have developed critical skills, independence and analytical skills
• be able to communicate key sociological perspectives and issues in writing and orally
• be able to reflect on how sociological perspectives can be used to understand changes in society and working life
• be able to use sociological perspectives to understand the consequences of changes in society.
• be able to plan and execute a sociological project over time, alone or as part of a group, in accordance with ethical principles and guidelines
  

Sociology is the study of society, social change and the social causes and consequences of human actions. Sociology provides tools for understanding how society works, how social institutions affect our lives and how the relationship between individual and society creates, changes and shapes social life. Sociology sheds light on how human interaction both shapes and is shaped by the environment.

Sociologists examine how groups, institutions and societies are created and structured. Since all human action is fundamentally social, and often follows patterns that are relatively independent of the individual, sociologists are thematically concerned with everything from close relationships to global change.

The bachelor's program in sociology at UiA has a wide thematic breadth with topics such as welfare, inequality, globalization, education, crime, family relations, gender, religion and the multicultural society. Sociology offers theoretical perspectives and frameworks that enable the student to understand and describe the complexity of society. Research methods form a central part of the study, and the bachelor thesis gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a self-chosen sociological problem. The bachelor's program in sociology is suitable for those who are interested in understanding key characteristics of our modern societies and how they change.

The bachelor program consists of a specialization in sociology of 110 credits, which includes the bachelor thesis of 20 credits (all courses with SV code in the study plan). In addition, students will take courses in scientific method and ex. phil., as well as an optional breadth component of 40 credits

A variety of different teaching methods are used, for example lectures, group work, seminars and working with term papers. Tutoring is provided both individually and in groups. Attendance at lectures is normally not mandatory, but there may be requiremnts of attendance in some elective courses. The language of instruction is generally Norwegian, but some courses or parts of courses will be taught in English.