LFU:online

Curr. 2021 § 5 (1) 7: The students are able to differentiate between the most important paradigms of basic sociological theories with regards to their historical development and to apply them to current sociological issues. They will acquire in-depth knowledge of one of these theories and be able to present it convincingly in the context of a scientific work and for an independent problem analysis.

The seminar initially provides an introduction to the difficult and complex terrain of sociological theory formation and imparts a sense of orientation through problem orientation and practical reference to empirical case studies. Special focus is placed on Pierre Bourdieu's sophisticated and wide-ranging sociology. The appropriation of sociological theories - here especially through Bourdieu's extensive work - and their reflexive processing is understood in terms of 'theoretical empiricism'. That is, Bourdieu's theory interacts with his own empirical work. Through the reconstruction of the original texts, on the one hand the analytical skills as well as their limitations shall be illustrated. On the other hand, the competence to encounter concrete theories in a creative way and to practice a playful handling of theories by means of 'brought along' case studies is to be learned. The seminar is therefore divided into three (unequal) blocks:

1) The development of sociological thinking, sociological theories and sociological objects;

2) The intensive examination of Pierre Bourdieu's sociology and the contexts of its development;

3) The "backstage" of theory production: conditions and modes of production of sociological theory as well as its practical appropriation, application and transformation potentials.

Reading, plenary and small group discussions, critique and feedback culture.

regular written assignments; written seminar paper; voluntary short presentations or reflection papers

Bourdieu, P. (1978): Entwurf einer Theorie der Praxis, Suhrkamp
Bourdieu, P. (1982): Die feinen Unterschiede: Kritik der gesellschaftlichen Urteilskraft. Suhrkamp
Bourdieu, P. (1987): Sozialer Sinn, Suhrkamp
Bourdieu, P., & Wacquant, L. (1996): Reflexive Anthropologie. Suhrkamp.
Bourdieu, P. (2001): Meditationen, Suhrkamp

Fleck, C., Dayé, C. (Hg.) (2020): Meilensteine der Soziologie, Campus.

Additional literature will be announced at the beginning of the seminar and will provided as a reader.

none

There is the possibility to bring in own case studies or problems on a voluntary basis during the seminar.