What is sociology? An introductory course on key concepts

From 41 € /h

The course, ' What is sociology?’, is taken from a textbook. The textbook comprehensively explores sociology, aimed at both students and educators. It explores various aspects of sociology and provides a rich understanding of social structures and institutions and their impact on human behavior and the organization of society. The course follows the same lines as my textbook (which can be found on Amazon in French and English).
The course is organized into 14 modules as follows:

1. Introduction to Sociology
2 . The Origins and Development of Sociology
3 . The History of Sociology
4 . Theoretical Perspectives in Sociology
5. Research Methods in Sociology
6 . Socialization and Identity
7. Social Structures and Institutions
8 . Social Stratification and Inequality
9 . Culture and Society
10 . Sociology of Religion
11 . Deviance and Crime
12 . Social Change and Social Movements
13 . The Future of Sociology
14 . Conclusion: A Reflective Journey Through Sociology

Every time, the teacher starts by presenting the topic. The students are required to take notes. Then, we start the questions and answers to ensure the students understand what was said. Then, we summarize, and that ends the session.

NB: There will also be a distribution of references for further reading on the subject.

Overall, the course provides a theoretical foundation for understanding key sociological concepts and their application to analyze and resolve societal complexities. It will be supplemented by practical exercises in content analysis, text intelligence, etc.

Extra information

Every student should inform the teacher of his/her level, whether they have studied sociology before, and their purposes (what they expect from the course).

Location

Online from France

About Me

Welcome!

My name is Dr. Hichem, and I am a lecturer in sociology and Arabic studies.
I teach in three languages: French, Arabic, and English.
My method is simple: I adapt to each student's needs. The goal is to help them progress.

Here are some of my scientific publications (articles not included):
Author or co-author of the following books:
1. Researching Society: An Introduction To Sociological Method. Global East-West 2024.
2. What Is Society? A Course Textbook. Global East-West 2024.
3. What Is Sociology About? Key Concepts for Students and Teachers. Global East-West 2024.
4. The Power Of Small States: Diplomacy In The Global Arena. Global East-West 2024.
5. France's Arab Policy: From De Gaulle to Macron. Global East-West (London: 2024).
6. Breaking the Veil: Unmasking Stigma Against Islam in the West. Global East-West. (London: 2024).
7. The Evolution of Qatari Foreign Policy. Global East-West (London: 2024).
8. The French Sociological Tradition: Essential Thinkers and Theories. Global East-West (London: 2024).
9. About Albert Camus: The Man Behind the Myth. Global East-West (London: 2024).
10. De la Revolution au Renouveau. Global East-West(London: 2024).
11. Angry Africa: A Study on Post-Colonialism and How "France-Afrique" Policy Led to Anti-French Coups. Global East-West (London: 2024).
12. The Invisible Hand: Uncovering the Deep State's Control Over Government. Global East-West (London: 2024).
13. The Right To Resist: Zionism and Fascism. Global East-West (London: 2023).
14. Children of Gaza: Requiem For a Civilisation In Decline. Global East-West (London: 2023).
15. I Have The Time. "Questions" series. Publisher: Global East-West (London 2023).
16. Treatise On Self-Improvement: Unlock Your Potential. "Questions" series. Publisher: Global East-West (London 2023).
17. What is Happiness? An Essay on the Infinite Ways to Find Lasting Joy. "Questions" series. Publisher: Global East-West (London 2023).
18. Leadership's Involvement In Institutional Excellence: Empowerment, Anticipation, Creativity. Noon Publishing (Paris 2020). Ebook. Arabic.
19. The Apparent Chinese Paradox. Chapter in the collective book "The Syrian Crisis." Springer (2020).
20. Geopolitical Shifts in the Triangle: The United States, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and China. Chapter in the collective book: “Handbook On China and Globalization. ” Edward Elgar House ( London: 2019), in collaboration with the Center for China and Globalization, Beijing.
21. Negotiation and Bargaining. Noon Publishing (Paris: 2018). Ebook. Arabic.
22. Inventing The Middle East. Noon Publishing (Paris: 2018 ). Ebook. Arabic.
23. U.S. Policy and the Arab-Muslim World: The Understanding Abyss. Noon Publishing (Paris: 2018 ). Ebook. Arabic.
24. On China And the Arabs. With Dr Gafar Karar Ahmed. Noon Publishing (Paris: 2018 ).
25. Chatting With My Chinese Friend, KRPC Publications (Paris: 2016).
26. Conservative Revolution and Other Essays, KRPC/Middle East Studies, Paris (Paris: 2015).
27. Diplomacy and Conflict: Policy Analyses. Middle-East-Studies/KRPC, (Paris: 2015 ).
28. Policy Analyses: 2002-2003 (Arabic) Volume 1. KRPC (Paris: 2015).
29. The Political Algebra of Global Value Change: General Models and Implications for the Muslim World. With Arno Tausch, and Almas Heshmati. Nova Science (New York: 2014).
30. Middle East Studies in the USA after 9/11: Shaping American Perceptions. Nama Centre for Research and Studies (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 2013). Arabic.
31. U.S.- Saudi Love-Hate Story. A Middle East Studies Book. Charleston, S.C. USA. (2013).
32. Power Revolving Doors: The Shaping of American Perception of Middle East Studies. A Middle East Studies Book. (Charleston, S.C. USA. 2013.)
33. L’administration Bush au Moyen-Orient. (French). Middle East Books ( Paris: 2013).
34. Arab Spring, The New Middle East in the Making. CS/A Middle East Studies Book. (Charleston, S.C. USA. 2012).
35. The Bush II Years in the Middle East (2000-2008) A case study in the sociology of international relations. Middle East Books (Paris - South Carolina: 2012).
36. Diplomacy versus Transparency and Risk Society. Chapter in a collective book: The WikiLeaks Phenomenon: Media and Politics Controversy Between the Virtual and the Real. Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. (Doha-Beirut: 2012) . Arabic.
37. Post-Kemalist Politics in Turkey. Chapter in a collective book: The Arabs and Turkey: Present Challenges and Future Bets. The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (Doha-Beirut: 2012). Arabic.
38. Muslims: Nightmare or Strength for Europe? With Arnaud Tausch. L’Harmattan (Paris: 2011). French.
39. Where is Saudi Arabia Headed? (French), L’Harmattan (Paris: 2006).
40. Post-Saddam in Iraq, (French), L’Harmattan (Paris: 2005 ).
41. The Eagle and the Borders: Prolegomenon to a Critique of the Arab Political Reality. Al-Nawras Publishing (Tunisia: 1989). Arabic.
42. International Balance From Cold War to Détente. Addar Al-Arabiyya (Tunisia: 1985). Arabic.

Education

PhD in Sociology, Sorbonne University (Paris 3). Very honourable. 2009.
o MA in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Studies, Sorbonne University (Paris 3), Very honourable. 2005.
o Maitrise (Master 1) in English Language, Literature and Civilisation, Sorbonne University (Paris 3). Very honourable. 2005.
o Maitrise (Master 1) in Arabic Language, Literature and Civilisation from the Sorbonne University (Paris 3). Very honourable. 2004.

Experience / Qualifications

Qualifications (Ministry of Higher Education and Research)

Senior lecturer in section 19: sociology (2010);
and in section 15: Arabic studies (2011).

Professional experience (in brief):
From 2023: Research Director at Reports & Analyses (The Voice of the Mediterranean).
2019- 2023: Researcher and Consultant for "Underscore Media."
January 2020 - October 2022: Executive Director of the Gulf Future Center (London).
From 2019 : Non-resident Senior Fellow and academic adviser for :
o Center for International Economic Cooperation (Beijing),
o Center for China and Globalization, (Beijing),
o Sino-European Center, (Hangzhou).
o Shanghai University for International Studies’ Sino-Arab Cooperation Center.

2013 - 2019: Consultant at the Diplomatic Institute, Doha. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
2011-2013: Associate Researcher, Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies (Doha), Qatar.
2009 - 2011: Researcher at the Sorbonne University's Centre for Contemporary Oriental Studies (Paris 3.)
o Editor of a trilingual peer-reviewed academic journal in cooperation with the Director of the Centre and several research professors in France and abroad. ( 6 quarterly issues were published): Middle East Studies. ISSN: 2109-9618.

Age

Adults (18-64 years old)

Seniors (65+ years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

French

English

Arabic

Skills

Social studies

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -04:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Lidia

5.0

(1)

Specialize into simplifying concepts; experienced in International Education MYP, IB, Jury Central, BA, MBA.
English as second language, Literature, Social & Political Sciences, Law, History, Arts and Theoretical Sciences.

Cambridge certified Teacher, professor of Business Law and Ethics.

Bushra

5.0

(1)

I am a qualified teacher with an experience of teaching all school levels. Willing to work with studenys who are energetic and has a positive attitude with a dynamic and enjoyable education environment and flexible working hours. Teaching and learning in a safe and healthy environment.

Clément

5.0

(1)

A typical course is organized as follows:

1- Learning phase in which I present the concepts and ideas to be retained for the course.
2- Applying these concepts to be sure that you have correctly assimilated them.
3- Debrief phase with you.

As I went through a preparatory class for two years, my level in SES is quite respectable. I have already given dozens of hours of lessons to many students who all come out enriched according to their words.

Mai

5.0

(1)

Languages have the ability to soothe and facilitate communication. If you don't want to be struck by language barriers and if you want to keep yourself and your conversations on track, contact me to learn from each other. Be it English as a second language, Business English, IELTS or TOEFL preparation, I'm here to help.
Don't know English or Arabic, no problem, It's always fun to learn a new language!

Daniel

5.0

(1)

Course & some topics:
Accounting and Conceptual Framework
Recording Business Transactions
Accrual Accounting
Internal Control, Cash and Receivables
Inventory and Merchandising
Plant Assets
Cash Flow Statement

 Tutoring to get you ready for final exams.
 Learn the entire course by yourself
 Start learning within 15 minutes of the class.
 Complete revision classes that focus on topics covered in the course for the semester.
 Classes that assist you to graduate on time.
 You are sure to tell your friends about the classes after your first class.

Emilce

5.0

(1)

April 2026: In these neuro-divergent times, the binary division of "one language or two" in bilinguals is perhaps due some contestation, which students are capable of providing. I have always found bilingual production models (and the ubiquitous Powerpoint slide) that university teachers provide a hindrance because of their lack of explicitness and discussion - they are just not relatable as presented nor do they provide much information or examples for monolingual students.

Code-switching, a by-product of bilingualism, is now a term that is even found in minority-ethnic neighbourhood grafitti ("can white people code-switch" a found example). Please note that this is a linguistic term, used for switching between two languages, and not between local or social varieties of English.

My personal position is that there is no such thing as bilingualism: there is always a language that suffers attrition, and one language that prevails, mostly because of its prestigious standing over the other language. On the other hand, a child exposed to more than one language cannot be truly monolingual.

For this course (very popular at universities around Europe both at undergraduate and postgraduate level) we shall go through the terms used to discuss bilingualism, in detail, and then discuss, with the help of published books and articles, who can be considered bilingual (or are we all, one other language lying dormant?). Can bilingualism be defined by the speaker, instead of the "community"? Can it be imposed by the State? Does a bilingual brain function in the same manner as a monolingual brain? These are research questions that emerge as dissertation or thesis topics both at undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Sanam

5.0

(1)

I am Sanam, PhD, Urdu, from the University of Punjab. I belong to Pakistan. My national language is Urdu, but I understand English, Punjabi, and Hindi well. I have 15 years of experience teaching languages, literature, and other subjects, especially Urdu and English, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Islamiat, and Pakistan studies.
In this course, we will discover Urdu or English as a language and literature; we will explore its grammar, language skills, and composition, from basic sentence structure to advanced concepts. Starting from its alphabet, you will learn the language, its sentence structure, compositions, and grammar, and, of course, you will be able to explore a new world related to literature.
I have vast experience teaching Islamic Studies, Islamiat, Social Studies, and Pakistan Studies. I will not only teach you but also teach you everything, from the basics to the advanced level. You can then express your views and ideas in both spoken and written form.
I have 15 years of teaching experience, 6 years of experience training teachers, and 10 years of experience working as a paper setter, paper checker, and examiner at the board (BISE Lahore, Pakistan) and university (Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan, and AIOU Islamabad) levels.
If you are in search of an experienced, highly qualified, and trained tutor, you are in the right place.

César

5.0

(1)

I am looking to help high school or middle school students with their homework in several areas. I can also give English or French lessons (in the other language).

I am a law student, so I have writing skills that allow me to help in French, history, economics and social sciences, philosophy, geopolitics, etc.

I am patient and a good listener and will actively try to meet the student's needs.

Lucía

5.0

(1)

My name is Lucía. I hold a Bachelor's degree and a Professorship in Sociology. I also hold a Master's degree, fluency in English, and over 12 years of experience teaching at the university level, both in person and online. I specifically teach courses on academic writing and research, and I have supervised theses. My classes are based on the transmission of both knowledge and study techniques, in addition to a strong focus on writing.

Mar

5.0

(1)

Education can be complex if it isn't explained well. That's why I've designed my classes as practical and personalized support, intended to help students understand the subjects, gain confidence, and improve their academic performance.
I have a degree in Economics and offer tutoring for all primary and secondary school levels, as well as Economics for higher levels (high school and early university years). I love teaching and supporting my students in their learning process, adapting my explanations to their level, pace, and learning style.
In my classes, I use innovative learning methodologies, combining clear explanations, practical examples, and techniques that foster understanding rather than rote memorization. My goal is for students to grasp the reasons behind concepts, gain confidence, and progress steadily with close and dedicated support.

Hanna

5.0

(1)

Hi! I’m a recent Humanities, Society, and Culture graduate from Anglo-American University. I specialize in helping students navigate the complexities of the Humanities: specifically History, Social Studies, and English Language/Literature.
Whether you are struggling to structure an essay, feeling overwhelmed by historical dates, or just need help polishing your English writing and grammar, I am here to help. My approach is student-led and relaxed; I don't just give you the answers, I help you develop the critical thinking skills to find them yourself.
I can help you with:
• Essay Crafting: From brainstorming ideas to final proofreading.
• History & Social Studies: Breaking down complex global events into stories that make sense.
• English Language Support: Building confidence in vocabulary, grammar, and conversational flow.
• Study Skills: Organizing your notes and preparing for exams without the stress.
I believe every student has a unique voice. My goal is to help you find yours and succeed in your assignments!

Howard

5.0

(1)

This class introduces students to the fascinating world of social sciences and biology, helping them understand both human society and living organisms. Students will explore topics such as human behavior, cultures, communities, ecosystems, and the basic principles of life sciences. The lessons are designed to encourage critical thinking, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of how people interact with each other and with the natural environment. Through discussions, practical examples, and interactive learning activities, students will develop knowledge and skills that help them better understand the world around them.

Sana

5.0

(1)

This Sociology class focuses on the topic “The Family”, one of the core areas in Sociology that helps students understand how family structures, roles, and relationships shape society. Students will learn how families are defined, how they function, and how they have changed over time in modern societies.

The lesson covers key sociological perspectives including Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, and Postmodernism, enabling students to critically evaluate the role of the family in both traditional and contemporary contexts. It also explores different family types such as nuclear, extended, single-parent, reconstituted, and same-sex families, with real-life examples to support understanding.

This class is designed for students preparing for major international Sociology examinations, including:

AQA GCSE Sociology (8192) – Paper 2: The Sociology of Families
AQA A-Level Sociology (7192) – Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (Families and Households)
OCR GCSE Sociology (J203) – Socialization, Culture and Identity (Family content included)
OCR A-Level Sociology (H580) – Paper 2: Sociological Themes (Families and Households section)
Cambridge IGCSE Sociology (0495) – Paper 1 (Theory & Methods) and Paper 2 (Social Structures, including Family)

Students will practice exam-style questions, learn how to structure high-scoring answers, and develop evaluation skills required for marks in short-answer and essay-based papers.

By the end of the class, students will be able to confidently explain, apply, and evaluate sociological theories of the family and perform effectively in exam questions across different exam boards.

Anas

5.0

(1)

Dutch is a useful and rewarding language for work, study, travel, or connecting with family and heritage. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already at an intermediate level, this course will be tailored to your personal goals. You’ll learn practical vocabulary, essential grammar, pronunciation, and real-life conversation skills. My lessons focus on speaking with confidence, understanding native speakers, and immersing yourself in Dutch culture. Together, we’ll build a learning path that fits your pace and interests!

Dimitra

5.0

(1)

A creative journey into Greek culture and mythology, where language, history and storytelling come together. This course explores the foundations of Greek identity through myths and symbols, connecting ancient narratives to modern life.

You will discover gods, heroes and archetypal stories while also diving into cultural practices such as hospitality, food, social life and rituals that still shape Greece today. Mythology is approached not just as stories, but as a way of understanding human nature, emotion and meaning.

The course blends storytelling, discussion and interactive exploration, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Whether you are new to Greek culture or already familiar with it, you will gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of its spirit, its contradictions, and its lasting influence.