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Challenges in the Teaching of Sociology in Higher Education. Contributions to a Discussion

Author

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  • Carlos Miguel Ferreira

    (Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences—CICS.NOVA, Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco, Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Studies, 1069-061 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Sandro Serpa

    (Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of the Azores, Interdisciplinary Centre of Social Sciences—CICS.UAc/CICS.NOVA.UAc, and Interdisciplinary Centre for Childhood and Adolescence—NICA—UAc, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Portugal)

Abstract

At a time when Sociology (either in its introductory or general dimension or in the form of specialised Sociologies) is acknowledged as a scientific discipline with important contributions in training at the higher education level, and not only for the future sociologist, there is a need to (re)think the problem of teaching Sociology in this context. This article seeks to contribute to this discussion on the teaching of Sociology in higher education, being a grounded reflection that is based on the authors’ teaching experience in the Portuguese context. Sociology has specificities, which we put forward through four framing principles, namely the need to permanently mobilise sociological imagination, be multi-paradigmatic, the need to be receptive to a heuristic interdisciplinarity, and, finally, foster reflexivity at several levels. These principles should, from our standpoint, shape the teaching of Sociology, both delimiting what should be taught and fostering the way to teach while abiding by these principles. As a conclusion, this problem of teaching Sociology needs an in-depth investigation, in the search for a growing pedagogical quality in a context of increasing opportunities to reform the type of teaching provided in higher education, which is a permanent challenge.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Miguel Ferreira & Sandro Serpa, 2017. "Challenges in the Teaching of Sociology in Higher Education. Contributions to a Discussion," Societies, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:7:y:2017:i:4:p:30-:d:117058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maria Kalamas Hedden & Roneisha Worthy & Edwin Akins & Vanessa Slinger-Friedman & R. C. Paul, 2017. "Teaching Sustainability Using an Active Learning Constructivist Approach: Discipline-Specific Case Studies in Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(8), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Ana Isabel Santos & Sandro Serpa, 2017. "The Importance of Promoting Digital Literacy in Higher Education," International Journal of Social Science Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 5(6), pages 90-93, June.
    3. Nadarajan (Raj) Sethuraju & Paul Prew & Abdihakin Abdi & Martel Pipkins, 2013. "The Consequences of Teaching Critical Sociology on Course Evaluations," SAGE Open, , vol. 3(3), pages 21582440134, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sandro Serpa, 2018. "A Reflection on Sociology of Education," International Journal of Social Science Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 6(3), pages 33-39, March.
    2. Sandro Serpa, 2019. "Alienation on Social Media," Studies in Media and Communication, Redfame publishing, vol. 7(1), pages 17-20, June.
    3. Sandro Serpa & Carlos Miguel Ferreira, 2018. "Training Models and Practices in Sociology," Societies, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-3, July.
    4. Jackie Harrison & Diana Maynard & Sara Torsner, 2020. "Strengthening the Monitoring of Violations against Journalists through an Events-Based Methodology," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 8(1), pages 89-100.
    5. Sandro Serpa & Carlos Miguel Ferreira, 2019. "Micro, Meso and Macro Levels of Social Analysis," International Journal of Social Science Studies, Redfame publishing, vol. 7(3), pages 120-124, May.
    6. Carlos Miguel Ferreira & Sandro Serpa, 2019. "Contemporary Challenges for the Academic," International Journal of Contemporary Education, Redfame publishing, vol. 2(1), pages 1-8, April.
    7. Carlos Miguel Ferreira & Maria José Sá & José Garrucho Martins & Sandro Serpa, 2020. "The COVID-19 Contagion–Pandemic Dyad: A View from Social Sciences," Societies, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-19, October.
    8. Jorge Ferraz, 2018. "Sociology’s Role in the Teaching of Organizational Behavior in Higher Education. The Case of Hospitality Management," Societies, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-14, July.
    9. Sandro Serpa & Maria José Sá, 2019. "Sociology of Education for a Sustainable Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-5, March.

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