The study of emotions is inherently multidisciplinary as it engages with biological and psychological as well as social and cultural theory and research. With this point of departure, the focus of the sociological discipline, as well as of this course, is on the social, and sociologically relevant, aspects of emotions. The course offers a broad overview of theories and research in the sociology of emotions, spanning from the classics to contemporary theories and research. Both structural and situational/interactional approaches to the role of emotions in social life are explored. Part of the course deals with the students’ research projects, through which there is opportunity to discuss project ideas in relation to the various perspectives on emotions presented. There will also be opportunity to discuss various methods employed and ways to apply and develop theory in the analysis of empirical data. All participants are required to read and relate some key texts (compulsory literature), but thereafter encouraged to focus independently on their own area of research.

The course begins with a series of lectures on sociological approaches to emotions, some current debates, and the exemplification of ongoing research projects. These lectures are followed by a series of short workshops where participant’s ideas and possible approaches are worked out with guidance from the teachers. An online midterm seminar, to discuss abstracts for exam papers, will be arranged about midterm of the course period. For the remaining part of the course students develop their papers and expand their chosen area of specialization, adding relevant emotion sociological literature. The course ends with the presentation and discussion of a working paper (optionally as a draft journal article) at the final seminar of the course.

Written and oral presentations take place throughout the course. Participants partake in at least two seminars (midterm and final) where they present their own work as well as comment on the work of other participants.

The course offers both a broad perspective on the state of the art of the sociology of emotions, as well as in-depth specialization in the chosen research area of each student.

The course is offered in collaboration between The Department of Sociology at the University of Copenhagen, the Department of Sociology and Work Science at the University of Gothenburg and the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Aalborg University.

The course runs on half-time (50%) over ten weeks.

Organizers:

Åsa Wettergren (University of Gothenburg), Poul Poder (University of Copenhagen) Merete Monrad, (Aalborg University)

Teachers:

Åsa Wettergren (University of Gothenburg), Poul Poder (University of Copenhagen) Merete Monrad, (Aalborg University)

ECTS:

7,5

Format:

The course begins with a series of lectures on sociological approaches to emotions, some current debates, and the exemplification of ongoing research projects. These lectures are followed by a series of short workshops where participant’s ideas and possible approaches are worked out with guidance from the teachers. An online midterm seminar, to discuss abstracts for exam papers, will be arranged about midterm of the course period. For the remaining part of the course students develop their papers and expand their chosen area of specialization, adding relevant emotion sociological literature. The course ends with the presentation and discussion of a working paper (optionally as a draft journal article) at the final seminar of the course. The introductory series of lectures, seminar and workshops is located at the Department of Sociology and Work Science at the University of Gothenburg and the final seminar is located at the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Aalborg University in Copenhagen. The midterm seminars will take place online via Zoom. The course has no fee but travel and accommodation costs as well as all meals need to be covered by each student’s home department.

Important dates:

• 30 August – 1 September: Course introduction, lectures
  Held at the University of Gothenburg
• 11 October: Midterm seminar
  Online
• 16 - 17 November: Lectures and paper seminars
  Held at Aalborg University at the Copenhagen Campus

Number of seats:

18

Contact:

If you have questions about the PhD course, please contact PhD secretary Marianne Høgsbro.