This seminar is intended for students interested in exploring the basics of economic sociology- an expanding subfield within sociology that studies economic behavior and practices. With a focus on 'work, profession and organization', this seminar will revisit some of the classical works in sociology that have guided the development of economic sociology as a subfield. It aims to introduce students to economic sociological perspectives on work, profession and class formation and enable them to use 'social' lens to identify, interpret and explain economic behavior and practices. Offered in English language, this seminar is also directed at students who seek to practice and improve their English language skills and advance their academic training in an international linguistic medium.
The seminar is divided into four parts. Part I introduces the history and relevance of economic sociology and discusses its major traditions that have had a strong influence on the growth of the subfield. Part II looks into the basis tenets of economic sociology and discusses the key contributions of Weber in laying out the foundational ideas of the subfield. Part III brings in a variety of perspectives from the sociological trinity - Weber, Durkheim and Marx - and discusses their key contributions to our understanding of work, profession and class formation. Part IV takes the conversation forward and discusses the influence of these classical texts in the emergence of 'new economic sociology'. Part III shall primarily be conducted in a presentation and group discussion format, whereupon, followed by a brief lecture, students actively participate in interpreting the assigned texts and discuss the relevance of these contributions in the class. As the seminar is intended for advanced BA students, the participants are encouraged to critically reflect and apply the concepts they learn from the class into their presentations and discussions. The grading of the participants will be based on the student's active participation throughout the semester, quality of their presentations as well as the written presentation outline/summary. All written summaries are to be submitted within two weeks from the date of presentation. the participants are encouraged to critically reflect and apply the concepts they learn from the class into their presentations and discussions. The grading of the participants will be based on the student's active participation throughout the semester, quality of their presentations as well as the written presentation outline/summary. All written summaries are to be submitted within two weeks from the date of presentation. the participants are encouraged to critically reflect and apply the concepts they learn from the class into their presentations and discussions. The grading of the participants will be based on the student's active participation throughout the semester, quality of their presentations as well as the written presentation outline/summary. All written summaries are to be submitted within two weeks from the date of presentation.
- Lehrende(r): Sandhya A.S.