Methodology Applied to Sociology and Civilization: Culture and Modern Society

The principal aim of this course is to provide a methodological background in civilization. Students will work on summary, synthesis, dissertation, critical reading and oral presentation and will study a broad range of texts.
The second aim is to understand the social trends at work in contemporary society with a focus on France. We will study several themes such as sports, fashion, art, gastronomy, Paris, travel, ethics, social stratification, happiness etc. These different subjects based on different texts will draw a picture of our society as well as of the main social theories used to explain social trends. The class will be organized around oral presentations followed by discussion. There will be also written assignments (summary, synthesis and dissertation).