Vertiefung Gesellschaftsanalyse L40: Theoretical concepts and (new) sociological diagnoses of the global Vertiefung Gesellschaftsanalyse L40

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation 

In view of the diverse sociological contributions to globalisation theory, the concept of the global remains a work in progress – and is being challenged more than ever by current developments. In the light of critical reflection on the universalism of classical sociological theories of modernity and the current discussion of a more global postcolonial sociology (‘global sociology’), the question arises as to what constitutes the global and how it can be defined sociologically. Against this background, the seminar deals with the question of how the global is theoretically argued as a subject area and which perspectives it entails with regard to social processes, institutions and social orders. Contributions from the theory of reflexive modernisation, world-system approaches and sociological perspectives on the relationship between globality and locality will be considered, among other things. How does the ‘global’ work? How is it constituted? These questions will be explored and discussed together, examining the extent to which competing or alternative sociological global worldviews can be identified, and the analytical potential, limitations and challenges that arise in this context. Beyond theoretical reading, the seminar will also provide a framework for methodological considerations: What do different concepts of globality mean for empirical social research? What interactions and connections are evident with established units of analysis such as the nation, society, institution, etc.? Can the global only be understood through processes of globalisation? What are the implications for comparative research? Etc.

The seminar is part of the “Specialisation in sociological theory” module (Modul Vertiefung soziologische Theorie) and will be offered as a block course in English.

The course will take place from 16 February to 20 February. A constitutive session with an introductory overview of the content, distribution of presentation texts and organisational information will take place on 17 December 2025 from 10-12 a.m. via Zoom (link to follow soon on ISIS).

If you are interested in the seminar but are unable to attend on this date, please contact me directly by email (l.sibert@tu-berlin.de).

Grading criteria and requirements/assignments (6 ECTS)

- Attendence and active participation consititutive session and block course

- Preparation of seminar readings

- Presentation individually or as a group (max. 3) with preparation of follow-up discussion and handout

- Written assignment: Short Essay based on own presentation