Social Interaction

The course will provide an introduction and overview of key perspectives and current theories related to social interaction. The original contributions within the tradition, from among others Blumer, Garfinkel, Goffman, Strauss, Collins, Fine and Rawls are central in the course. Emphasis is also placed on an understanding of how the insights from this "microsociological" tradition can be regarded as generic sociological perspectives on society and social development. Theories from social interactionism will be elucidated by linking them to contemporary social phenomena. Active student participation and the use of everyday examples bring theories and perspectives close to the students' own lives.

Knowledge - the student shall:

• have insight into central theories, discussions and research related to social interaction.
• have the ability to critically analyze the relevance of these theories according to understanding of community and development.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:

• be able to use theories of social interaction as an analytical tool for investigating and understanding social phenomena and problems.
• develop and disseminate such theories' relevance for understanding trends in society today.

The course is based on seminars with active student participation (reversed teaching, "flipped classroom") where texts are presented and discussed. There will also be excursions to observe and analyze various "social arenas". If 6 or fewer students register for the course they the first two weeks of teaching, the teaching is given as a guided reading course.