Sociology:The Sociology of Human Development

A sociological understanding of global development and social change forms the basis of this course. You will learn how societies are organised and how they transform over time. We explore both classical and modern theories to understand the forces shaping our world. Topics include the rise of nation-states, capitalism, bureaucracy, the creation and persistence of inequality, and today’s global development challenges.

The course is taught in English and can be taken as a freestanding theme course or as part of the Bachelor of Science Programme in Development Studies (SGUTV).

Please note! This is a so-called theme course, which means it does not qualify you for higher-level sociology courses. It can be studied without previous university merits. If you’re unsure what this means for your studies, please contact our Study Advisers at studievagledare [at] soc [dot] lu [dot] se.

The Department of Sociology

The course is offered by the Department of Sociology in the picturesque Paradiset campus area in Lund. The building combines modern lecture halls, group rooms, and study spaces – just a short walk from the Social Sciences Library (Sambib) and the University Library (UB), several popular cafés and the city centre.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

At the Department of Sociology in Lund you learn from teachers who are active researchers, offering insights into the latest research. The course is taught in English. Teaching combines lectures, seminars and group work, and each module ends with an individual examination. The course consists of two modules:

Module 1: Classical and Modern Social Analysis (7.5 credits)

Study the ideas that have shaped sociology. We look at major economic, social, and political changes, that classical sociology often has focused on. These include the rise of nation‑states, capitalism and bureaucracies, rationalisation, and the growing division of labour both within and between countries. You will also gain a foundation in scientific theories that continue to influence the social sciences today.

Module 2: Contemporary Sociological Perspectives on Global Development (7.5 credits)

Today’s development challenges across the world. We explore how societies are organised and how they change, using both macro (large‑scale) and micro (small‑scale) perspectives. We discuss institutions, structures and social networks, and how they interact in complex ways. Using sociological theories, we analyse how inequality is created and maintained. Finally, you will apply these theories to critically assess and compare social policy solutions to real‑world challenges. 

Prerequisites

General requirements and studies equivalent to Swedish Upper Secondary School course Social Studies 1b or 1a1+1a2/Social Studies level 1b or level 1a2

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to the following: The general average (GPA) of your higher secondary school leaving certificate: 34 %, The Swedish national university aptitude test: 34 %, number of previous ECTS at application deadline (up to 165): 32 %. If students have equal credentials, seats are allocated based on their results on The Swedish National University Aptitude Test. If this too is equal, seats are allocated based on a draw.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 31,250
First payment: SEK 31,250

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.