Comparative Social Systems

The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge and tools to analyse and compare societies and social phenomena. Students will study various societal models and will be encouraged to think critically about core concepts, topics and research in the field of sociology, as well as to study the leading authors in the subject.
Besides providing a historical background of sociological thought and investigative methods, the course will also analyse the primary social, political, economic and cultural factors that affect contemporary societies and will encourage comparison between different social contexts.
The knowledge and tools acquired by students will help them understand the underlying dynamics of social systems, gain familiarity with the language used in the field of sociology and learn the primary tools in the social science "toolset".

Upon completion of the course, students will understand and be able to accurately and eruditely explain the main theories, concepts and research in terms of the processes and changes that characterise contemporary societies.
With the knowledge acquired through case studies and the in-depth analysis of pressing social issues, students will gain a critical understanding of the dynamics at the root of contemporary societies from an empirical and, as far as possible, comparative perspective.