Circle U. Online Course: Political Sociology (2025W)

Political Sociology | Master | English | University of Vienna | 4 ECTS | Winter Semester | Joint Course

Key Facts:

  • Circle U. Partner Universities: University of Belgrade, Aarhus University
  • Course Dates: from 02 October 2025 to 29 January 2026, on Thursday at 11:30 - 13:00
  • Level: Master
  • Credits: 4 ECTS
  • Format: online for Circle U. incoming students
  • Application Period: Please register until 1 October 2025 via the LINK. Registration takes place on a first-come-first-served basis. Therefore, we strongly recommend that interested applicants register as early as possible, as places can fill up quickly.
    After application, students must complete their course registration until 8 October 2025 in u:find.

Course Description

 

Course Description and Objectives

This course provides a contemporary introduction to political sociology, examining the interaction between individuals, institutions, and socio-political dynamics. It focuses on how personal feelings, bodily experiences, and public discourse shape political legitimacy and policy. We approach current societal changes through a sociological lens rather than traditional institutional analysis, focusing on the individual as the anchor point of liberal democracies.



The course is structured around three primary focus areas:

  1. Sociological Theory and Conceptual Foundations: Explores the historical development and key terms such as subject/individual, institution, power, knowledge, culture, legitimacy, political rationality, and civil society.
  2. Comparative Political Sociology: Studies democratic institutions and their socio-historical evolution and functions.
  3. Policy Process Research: Offers analytical tools for examining public policy and social movements, especially how social issues are framed in governance and protest structures.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

  • Understand and apply core political sociology concepts.
  • Gain familiarity with key scholars and theories in the field.
  • Analyze political events using sociological approaches.
  • Formulate sociological research questions based on real-world developments.

Course organisation:

  • Weekly lectures and structured discussions
  • Required readings/ newspaper commentaries
  • Moodle platform for materials, announcements, and assessments

 

Assessment

 

Final Open-book Exam (100 points) – Includes materials from readings and Moodle platform.
Structure:

  • 2 questions on core concepts
  • 2 comparative/theoretical questions
  • 1 case study question applying concepts to real events

 

The course page at the University of Vienna gives you more information on the course content.

 

 

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.