Department of Sociology
MASTER’S PROGRAM in
SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH AND POLITICAL MARKETING
Educational-qualification degree: Master
Professional Qualification: MASTER OF SOCIOLOGY
Duration: 1 year
Mode of study: Full time
The curriculum is designed for the degree "Master" after acquired degree "Bachelor"/"Master" in the same professional field as “Major Sociology”, program"Sociological research and political marketing" , with education time - 2 semesters with full-time training.
The Master’s program "Sociological Research and Political Marketing" for specialists is designed for students of humanities, both from SWU "Neofit Rilski", and other universities.
The program is suitable for young professionals who are oriented towards the analysis of the conjuncture, compilation and analysis of sociological political research.
The main objective of the program is through the use of various academic methods and practices to build knowledge and skills in the students to prepare questionnaires, to understand their objective and accurate reading, and to build thorough analyzes of data, on the functioning of the political model of governance in Bulgaria, specific and essential functions of the institutions in the country, and the forms of local government. All this is situated in the context of European sociological and political analyzes and practices.
Students acquire knowledge of basic subjects such as: use of qualitative research methods in politics, constitutional law, the Bulgarian political system, economic policies of modern Bulgaria, EU policies, public opinion and political communication; contemporary demographic trends, marketing and advertising.
Young professionals graduated from the Master’s program "Sociological Research and political marketing" can be realized as:
Consultants in public and private sociological agencies;
Consultants preparing programs for empirical and sociological research of the political, social and economic life in Bulgaria;
Providers of management and local government;
Public relations consultants in the field of social work;
Consultants in economic and financial structures.
The graduate course gives opportunity for realization of experts in the country's numerous existing non-governmental organizations and foundations, where they can apply in practice the acquired knowledge. The program would be of interest of Bulgarian professional politicians and the administration of the state and on a local level.
Curriculum
Major: Sociology – 03.32_4.9.20
First yearFirst Semester / ECTS credits / Second Semester / ECTS credits
Bulgarian political system Constitutional law
Application of qualitative methods in political research
Elective Course / 8
6
8
8 / Economic policy of contemporary Bulgaria European politics - primary characteristics
Local Governance Elective Course
Preparation for state exam or defense of diploma thesis / 2.5
2.5
5
5
15
Total: 30 / Total: 30
Elective Course /Third semester/
The Students select one course / ECTS credits / Elective Course /Fourth Semester/
The Students select one course / ECTS credits
Administrative law
Public opinion and political communication / 8
8 / Marketing and advertising Contemporary demographic tendencies / 5
5
For the whole 1 ACADEMIC YEAR: 60 CREDITS
COURSES ANNOTATIONS
BULGARIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
ECTS credits: 8 Weekly classes: 2 lectures + 2 seminars
Form of exam: Type of exam: written and oral
Current grade
Departments involved:
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
Speaker (s):
ASSOC. PROF. PH.D. JEKO KYOSSEV, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
ANNOTATION:
The course is designed to provide rich political experience and practice of the Bulgarian state and society, as well as to follow the traditions of democracy or the authoritarian, totalitarian government types. In the course are presented analyzes of the Bulgarian party system and major party ideologies and policies and a sociological analysis of the most important politicians in the history of Bulgaria, who have contributed to the prosperity of the state and society. Thematic circles are designed to develop knowledge and skills among students poll - political analysis and forecasts of the management systems in the country.
Modern political system and its analysis have an important place in the student’s educational process. Through rich literature and distinguished authors the students prepare assignments on problems using comparative historical - sociological analysis.
COURSE CONTENT:
- To clarify the basic concepts and theories related to political problems in the country and in particular in the political system;
- To build a conceptual apparatus and free handling it;
- To acquire the ability to analyze the different types of political forms of government;
- "Understanding" of the Bulgarian politics as a part of the global society.
TEACHING ASSESSMENT:
Evaluations are made at the end of the semester course by assessing student’s performance in exams, based on questions asked from the questionnaire.
CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
ECTS credits: 6 Weekly classes: 2 lectures + 1 seminar
Form of exam: Type of exam: written and oral
Current grade
Departments involved:
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
Speaker (s):
MAJ. ASSIST. PROF. PH.D. VESELA MIRCHEVA, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC LAW AND PUBLIC MANAGEMENT
ANNOTATION:
The Course in Constitutional law aims to clarify regulating social relations between citizens and the state. The course aims to show the constitutional characteristics by the powers of its fundamental law and the organization and management of the State.
The course content includes the following modules:
1) Constitutionalism, Constitution, Constitutional Law;
2) Economic and Political System;
3) System of Government Authorities;
4) Local Authorities and Administration;
5) Amendment of the Constitution.
COURSE CONTENT:
- Provides the constitutional basis of other legal fields;
- Familiarizes students with the basic law of the state and society as well as the regulated by the law fundamental public relations;
- Clarifies the basic principles of construction and functioning of the political system and in particular of the state;
- Clarifies the constitutional status of citizens.
TEACHING ASSESSMENT:
Evaluations are made at the end of the semester course by assessing student’s performance in exams, based on questions asked from the questionnaire.
APPLICATION OF QUALITY METHODS IN POLITICAL STUDIES
ECTS credits: 8 Weekly classes: 2 lectures + 2 seminars
Form of exam: Type of exam: written and oral
Current grade
Departments involved:
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
Speaker (s):
ASSOC. PROF. PH.D. VLADIMIR DULOV, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SCIENCES
ANNOTATION:
The course aims to develop students' theoretical 'understanding' of the grounds and traditions in qualitative research on religion and their relevance to contemporary Bulgarian society, while combining them with practical "know-how" and direct experience in their implementation. Students are introduced to the debate between proponents of quantitative and qualitative methods in the study of religion and the arguments of the various parties.
Qualitative researches were intentionally underdeveloped field of sociology in the communist period. Therefore, using the achievements of classical and contemporary western authors familiarizes students with the heuristic potential of qualitative methods. A few examples of pre-war traditions in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as new trends and reasons for their revival in the post-communist period are tracked as well.
COURSE CONTENT:
The course meets specific methods such as observation participatory depth interviews, life stories, content analysis, discourse analysis, and focus groups.
In this way students acquire skills:
- Apply the "know-how" and direct experience in their implementation;
- And to put into practice specific techniques to help them with empirical data for future master these.
TEACHING ASSESSMENT:
Final grade for the course is formed at the end of the semester based on the results from the paperwork.
MODERN ECONOMIC POLICY OF BULGARIA
ECTS credits: 2.5 Weekly classes: 2 lectures
Form of exam: Type of exam: written and oral
Current grade
Departments involved:
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
Speaker (s):
ASSOC. PROF. PH.D. DIMITAR DIMITROV, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC THEORIES AND ECONOMICS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL SPHERE
ANNOTATION:
The course aims to introduce students to the main problems of modern economic policy of the Bulgarian bourgeois state in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, the imposition of a totalitarian socialist system. The formation of modern economic policy of the Third Bulgarian State are emphasized, the problems in its formation, the formation and competence of key economic institutions on the basic laws and principles of this policy, on the achievements and shortcomings of this policy. The structure of the economy and international economic and trade relations of the modern Bulgarian state during the period are also considered.
The aim of the course is the participating students to understand the problems of the formation and development of economic policy in modern Bulgarian state, to reflect the nature and advantages of this new economic policy for the country. Know the basic economic institutions of modern bourgeois Bulgaria and their role in the management and development of modern market. This reference suggests both the ancient classical sources as well as sources related to Christianity from the earliest times to the present.
COURSE CONTENT:
Students should have a clear idea of the structure of modern Bulgarian Economy and key institutions that determine economic policy of the Bulgarian bourgeois state. To better navigate these issues. To analyze policy in a comparative perspective of modern Bulgarian state in its adherence to modern capitalist economies of the West and present a difficult transition to market relations and bourgeois democracy.
TEACHING ASSESSMENT:
The course assessment will be an exam at the end of the term, which requires developing a specific topic or a general test over course’s questionnaire. Also there is a possibility to develop a study on certain topics - essays, term papers etc.
EUROPEAN POLITICS - FEATURES
ECTS credits: 2.5 Weekly classes: 2 lecture
Form of exam: Type of exam: written and oral
Current grade
Departments involved:
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
Speaker (s):
FULL PROF. D.S. VALENTINA MILENKOVA, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
ANNOTATION:
The main objective of the course is to be aware of emerging Europe prerequisites and conditions for transition to a continental, pan-European political economic and social integration. Bulgaria is an active participant in this process pan. Economic, political and social participation of Bulgaria determine its several sub-economic groupings. The strategic objective of our country's membership in the most highly developed integration formation in the modern world - the European Union.
The memorandum to the Government of the Republic of Bulgaria in connection with her application for membership in the European Union explicitly states that Bulgaria's membership in the European Union is a strategic goal that reflects the national interests of the state. Bulgaria's accession to the European Union is one of the few issues on which the country is a national consensus among the public and among political forces.
COURSE CONTENT:
The course aims to:
- To clarify key concepts in this discipline;
- To follow the period of involvement of our country in the European family
TEACHING ASSESSMENT:
Course evaluation is formed at the end of the semester course by assessing prepared coursework.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ECTS credits: 5 Weekly classes: 2 lectures + 2 seminars
Form of exam: Type of exam: written and oral
Current grade
Departments involved:
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
Speaker (s):
MAJ. ASSIST. PROF. PH.D. MILENA ANGELOVA, DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND ARCHEOLOGY
ANNOTATION:
The course aims to introduce the nature of local government through its history, the specific terminology and to get acquaint with the development of municipal law and historical practice of various communities in other countries and at home: metropolitan, urban, rural and so on.
Special attention is devoted on the importance of local government in the development and strengthening of communities, municipal politics in the lives of communities and opportunities for participation of individuals in solving local problems.
COURSE CONTENT:
The course aims to familiarize students with the theory and history of the interaction between state and local government. Special attention is given to various forms of cooperation between municipalities, the new European legislation on local government and the opportunities for young people to participate in local government. Special attention is paid to past local government in the region of Southwestern University and the history of the municipality Blagoevgrad.
TEACHING ASSESSMENT:
The final evaluation reports the results of monitoring and evaluation of the presentation of the projects prepared by the students.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
ECTS credits: 8 Weekly classes: 2 lectures + 2 seminars
Form of exam: Type of exam: written and oral
Current grade
Departments involved:
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
Speaker (s):
MAJ. ASSIST. PROF. PH.D. MARGARITA CHESHMEDZHIEVA, DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SCIENCE
ANNOTATION:
The course deals with the nature of executive power and government, their distinctive legal characteristics. Special attention is paid to the operational independence and circumscribed powers of the executive branch. Detailed analyzes administrative and legal rules and administrative and legal relationships. In view of the great practical significance to develop a plan to study the sources of administrative law, in particular regulations - regulations of the Council of Ministers, rules, regulations and instructions.
In legal and logical connection to study the basic institutions of the administrative law seems to administrative and legal status of citizens of non-profit organizations and businesses - companies, cooperatives, municipal enterprises and others. Are Outlines the legal nature of the executive power and displayed a number of classifications. The main priority is providing the central and local executive government.
COURSE CONTENT:
- Students know good administrative and legal status of the executive;
- Be able to draw up regulations, general and administrative acts;
- Know the appeal proceedings of the acts of the administrative authorities and the implementation of administrative responsibility.
TEACHING ASSESSMENT:
Course evaluation is formed at the end by assessing the responses of students to solve problems, tests and assignments.
PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
ECTS credits: 8 Weekly classes: 2 lectures + 2 seminars
Form of exam: Type of exam: written and oral
Current grade
Departments involved:
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Philosophy
Speaker (s):
ASSOC. PROF. D.S. DOBRINKA PEYTCHEVA, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
ANNOTATION:
The mass media and public opinion are respectively fourth and fifth power in any society. Unlike the legislative, executive and judiciary, are formalized and formalized in specific institutions and structures of power, the power of the media and public opinion is non-institutionalized, formalized, but no less effective, and effects. Not accidentally management of any government is successful only if it is consistent with public opinion. Not by chance, the elections as an emanation of public opinion indicate a confirmation or appearance of a new agreement for the management of society. The mass media are an expression of agreement or disagreement with a government and therefore the publicity of public opinion