ZS26DK010 Basics of Sociology

Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Winter 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/0/0. 1 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Jana Kočí, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Markéta Skalná, Ph.D.
Institute of Paramedical Health Studies – Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Contact Person: Mgr. Veronika Slováček Hagenová
Timetable
Wed 16. 9. 13:55–17:10 C311
  • Timetable of Seminar Groups:
ZS26DK010/A: No timetable has been entered into IS. J. Kočí
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic sociological concepts, theories and research methods. It encourages students to develop a comprehensive and multidimensional understanding of social phenomena and processes, not only in relation to nursing. Students will be introduced to the basic categories of sociology, sociological perspectives on health and illness and their analysis, as well as methods and techniques of sociological research and their potential applications in academic study and professional practice. Students will gain an understanding of social relationships within the family and professional groups and learn to understand the complexity of the process of human socialisation and the development of personality in both past and contemporary society.
Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes:


Professional knowledge: Students will be able to explain basic sociological concepts and apply their knowledge in nursing practice.


Professional skills: Students will be able to navigate the field of sociology in healthcare and understand the process of human socialisation and the challenges associated with integration into society.


General competences: Students will understand and be able to apply the knowledge acquired through theoretical instruction and practical training in health and social care settings.

Competences: Throughout their studies, students will continuously develop and enhance their knowledge.
Syllabus

Overview of topics covered in lectures and seminars:


Lectures and seminars:

  1. Sociology as a scientific discipline.
  2. Sociological schools of thought, approaches and theories – an overview.
  3. Society and the position of the individual in society.
  4. The process of socialisation, social interaction and communication.
  5. Social formations and groups, their structure and relationships.
  6. Culture and multiculturalism.
  7. Social norms, stereotypes and prejudices.
  8. Defining the subject matter of the sociology of medicine.
  9. The sociology of the patient/client; the role of the sociologist in healthcare settings.
  10. Definitions of health and illness.
  11. Issues concerning people with disabilities.
  12. Socialisation disorders, deviance and social rehabilitation.
  13. Sociological research in healthcare (research design, data processing, interpretation of results, final report).
  14. Sociological research and studies in healthcare – individual assignment.
Literature
    required literature
  • KŘÍŽOVÁ, E. SOS - Sociologie pro pomáhající profese. Praha: Karolinum, 2017. ISBN 978-80-246-3650-4.
  • URBAN, L. Sociologie: klíčová témata a pojmy. 2. vydání, Praha: Grada Publishing, 2022. ISBN 978-80-271-3056-6.
  • SKALNÁ, M.. Sociologie pro zdravotnické obory. Studijní opora [online] Opava: SLU v Opavě, 2025.
    recommended literature
  • KUTNOHORSKÁ, J. Multikulturní ošetřovatelství. Praha: Grada Publishing, 2013. ISBN 978-80-247-4413-1.
  • ANNANDALE, E. Sociology of Health and Medicine - A Critical Introduction, Polity Press, 2014. ISBN 0745634621.
Teaching methods

Lectures, discussions, self-study.

Assessment methods
Requirements for course credit: Students are required to independently write a reflective essay on the topic: “What values and norms influence my behaviour towards clients?” The essay should be 1–2 standard pages in length and include at least one academic source. The assignment must be submitted via the Odevzdávárna submission system by 30 November 2026
Language of instruction
Czech
Teacher's information
During their studies, students will use the study materials provided for the course. Students will have the opportunity to consult individually studied course topics on an ongoing basis via email, MS Teams, and individual or group consultations.
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