SOC351 Political Sociology

Course Summary Course Objectives Learning Outcomes Course Materials Teaching Methods Weekly Topics Course Schedule Office Hours Assestment ECTS Calculation Course Policies Learning Tips Print Syllabi Download as PNG

SOC351 Political Sociology

Syllabus   |  International University of Sarajevo  -  Last Update on Mar 03, 2026

Referencing Curricula

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Political Science and International Relations

Academic Year
2022 - 2023
Semester
Spring
Course Code
SOC351
Weekly Hours
3 Teaching + 0 Practice
ECTS
6
Prerequisites
Junior Standing
Teaching Mode Delivery
Face-to-face
Prerequisite For
-
Teaching Mode Delivery Notes
-
Cycle
I Cycle
Prof. Jane Doe

Mustafa Krupalija

Course Lecturer

Position
Assistant Professor Dr.
Email
mkrupalija@ius.edu.ba
Phone
033 957 409
Assistant(s)
-
Assistant E-mail
-

Course Objectives

This course aims to provide students with a solid foundation in the sociological dimensions of key political concepts and processes. It examines core topics such as power, ideology, identity politics, political representation, sovereignty, national identity, civil society, social movements, security, and globalization. Through a sociological perspective, the course enables students to better understand the social forces, structures, and relationships that shape political life in contemporary societies.

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1
Synthesize major concepts and approaches in political sociology to explain socio-political transformations.
2
Integrate sociological theories to evaluate power, authority, sovereignty, and governance in diverse political settings.
3
Critique sociological and political conceptualizations of key political issues and concepts.
4
Evaluate and justify the significance of national identity, citizenship, civil society, and social movements in shaping political life.
5
Evaluate present-day global and security challenges from a sociological perspective using relevant theoretical and empirical evidence.
6
Formulate sociologically grounded research inquiries into political subjects within their socio-cultural contexts.

Course Materials

Required Textbook

1) Michael S. Drake. Political Sociology for a Globalizing World. (Malden, MA: Polity Press, 2010).

Additional Literature
1) Betty A. Dobratz, et.al., Power, Politics and Society: An Introduction to Political Sociology. (London and New York: Routledge, 2016); 2) Thomas Janoski et. al. The Handbook of Political Sociology: States, Civil Societies and Globalization. (Cambridge: University Press, 2005).

Teaching Methods

This course will follow; class discussions
Assignments
Face to face interaction and readings as teaching methods.

Weekly Topics

This weekly planning is subject to change with advance notice.
Week Topic Readings / References
1 Introduction to the Course
2 Political Sociology and Social Transformation Drake, 1-22
3 Theorizing the Conception of Power Drake, 25-48; Dobratz,1-34
4 Identity Politics and Politics of Representation Drake, 52-64
5 Sovereignty and the State Drake, 70-92; Dobratz, 36-67
6 Citizens, Nations and Nationalisms Drake, 95-113
7 MIDTERM EXAM AND ITS PREPARATION
8 The Civil Society Drake, 116-121
9 Sociology of the Public Sphere Drake, 122-132; Doboratz, 189-222
10 Politics of Social Movements Drake, 134-154; Doboratz, 269-298
11 Security and Risk Society Drake, 156-170
12 Globalization and Cosmopolitanisms Drake, 173-186; Doboratz, 344-378
13 War, Terror and Security Drake, 190-205; Doboratz, 303-339
14 Political Sociology: Challenges and Prospects in the Balkans Assigned Readings
15 COURSE REVISION AND FINAL EXAM PREPARATION

Course Schedule (All Sections)

Course Schedules with all sections will be available here soon.

Office Hours & Room

DayTimeOfficeNotes
Tuesday 12:00 - 15:00 A F1.9
Friday 13:00 - 14:00 A F1.9

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Assessment Components

40%x1
Final Exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4  5  6

20%x1
Research Paper and Panel
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  2  5  6

20%x1
Mid-term Exam
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  1  2  3  4

10%x1
Video Talk
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  2  5  6

10%x1
Participation
AI: Not Allowed

Alignment with Learning Outcomes :  5

IUS Grading System

Grading Scale IUS Grading System IUS Coeff. Letter (B&H) Numerical (B&H)
0 - 44 F 0 F 5
45 - 54 E 1
55 - 64 C 2 E 6
65 - 69 C+ 2.3 D 7
70 -74 B- 2.7
75 - 79 B 3 C 8
80 - 84 B+ 3.3
85 - 94 A- 3.7 B 9
95 - 100 A 4 A 10

Late Work Policy

Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.

ECTS Credit Calculation

📚 Student Workload

This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:

Lecture Hours

42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)

Research Paper and Panel

6 hours ⏳ (2 week × 3 h)

Participation

14 hours ⏳ (7 week × 2 h)

Home Study

28 hours ⏳ (14 week × 2 h)

Midterm Exam

17 hours ⏳ (1 week × 17 h)

Final Exam

23 hours ⏳ (1 week × 23 h)

Video Talk

20 hours ⏳ (2 week × 10 h)

150 Total Workload Hours

6 ECTS Credits


Course Policies

Academic Integrity

All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.

Technology & AI Policy

Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.

Communication Policy

All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [SOC351] in the subject line.

Academic Quality Assurance Policy

Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.

More info

Learning Tips

Engage Actively

Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.

Read and Review Purposefully

Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.

Think Critically in Assignments

Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.

Ask Questions Early

Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.

Syllabus Last Updated on Mar 03, 2026 | International University of Sarajevo

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