Sociology, Contemporary Sociological Theory, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims to develop a deeper understanding of sociological theorization as process and practice. The emphasis is not on mapping the breadth of contemporary sociological theory, but on critically examining *how* and *why* sociological theories emerge, develop, change, and are challenged. The course equips doctoral students with tools to navigate an expansive and heterogeneous theoretical landscape, to identify the assumptions and driving forces that shape theorization, and to independently contribute to theoretical development within their own field of research.

Course objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, the doctoral student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• analyse theorization as a phenomenon, that is, critically examine the logical, epistemological, and social conditions under which sociological theories are formulated, established, and called into question
• identify and contextualise theoretical tendencies in contemporary sociology, including how social change, disciplinary boundary-drawing, and academic fields shape the direction of theoretical development
• identify and discuss fundamental assumptions in sociological theories, and reflect on how such assumptions affect the scope and limitations of a theory
• develop independent theoretical arguments with a critical and reflexive orientation, grounded in in-depth knowledge of theorization within a self-chosen empirical or thematic area
• communicate and defend theoretical positions in academic exchange, both in writing and orally

Content

Sociology today encompasses a near-unmanageable abundance of theories, approaches, and conceptual frameworks. Theoretical development continues around the discipline's classical questions concerning social action, structure, inequality, and change, while the discipline simultaneously expands conceptually in response to new empirical phenomena and societal challenges. In this landscape, theory risks becoming fragmented or reduced to a repertoire of labels and citations, rather than serving as a living instrument for analytical thinking. Through course literature, seminars, and guest lectures featuring examples of theoretical development from different areas of sociological research, the course poses the question: What does it mean to engage in sociological theorization today? What is a sociological theory, and what is it not? How do theories emerge, and how do they change? What role does theory play in relation to empirical research, method, and social practice?

The course is organised around three interconnected themes:

1. The Logic and Practice of Theorization

This theme addresses theorization as intellectual work: how theoretical arguments are constructed, what distinguishes theory from description and speculation, how analogies and mechanisms function as theoretical tools, and what it means to make a theoretical contribution.

2. The Social and Historical Conditions of Theorization

Theories do not arise in a vacuum. This theme examines how disciplinary structures, intellectual networks, institutional contexts, and social upheavals shape what counts as valid and significant theory. A central question is how power, geography, and gender structure which voices are heard and which theories become canonised, and what a more reflexive and globally situated theorization might look like. Space is also given to reflexivity: which perspectives are privileged, which are marginalised, and which assumptions are taken for granted?

3. Contemporary Theorization in Motion: Forays and In-Depth Studies

The course makes in-depth forays into a number of central theoretical movements and themes in contemporary sociology—not in order to cover the field, but to concretely illustrate the dynamics of theorization and the tensions that drive it forward. Students also independently pursue the development of theory within an area of relevance to their own research, and present and discuss this work with the course as a whole.

Entry requirements

A person meets the entry requirements for the course if he or she has been admitted to a third-cycle study programme and will be given credit for the course in that study programme.

Teaching form

Lectures and Seminars.

Examination form

Analytical log, Seminar leadership and participation, In-depth Essay.

Grading system

Two-grade scale

Other information

The course may be offered in English if needed.