Sociology is at the heart of the social sciences and addresses all aspects of human coexistence. For instance, it asks what norms and values guide our behavior, analyzes the phenomenon of social change, investigates how social integration or gender relations operate, and grapples with issues such as identity, migration, digitalization and globalization. This vast spectrum of subject matter has led to the emergence of diverse sub-disciplines within sociology, such as political sociology, cultural sociology, developmental sociology, media sociology, and so on. In Basel, we attach great importance to providing a well-rounded education in sociological theories and methods. Besides engaging in the discussion on the manifold forms of social relations, practices, processes and structures, the bachelor’s program focuses on the questions of how society is possible at all, how it functions, and what problems it generates. Core thematic areas include social inequality, conflict and cooperation, globality, sustainability, identity, and knowledge and culture

The Bachelor's Degree Program in Sociology encompasses sociological theory, and the critical and reflective analysis of all forms of society. Students will benefit from a nuanced education in theory (cultural theory, social philosophy, anthropology and political theory), which is closely intertwined with more practically oriented training in qualitative and quantitative empirical social research methods. The program is focused on three thematically organized modules:

The module “Political Sociology” is devoted to the analysis of political orders, power relations, and collective decision-making processes in modern societies, while also offering a comparative perspective on traditional societies. It combines classical and contemporary approaches in political sociology with questions of social inequality, conflict and cooperation, and global interdependence. Central topics include political institutions, actors, and discourses, as well as processes of social integration, politicization, and depoliticization at the local, national, and international levels.

The module “Economic Sociology” conceives of economic processes as socially embedded phenomena. It examines the social and cultural constitution of economic practices, organizations, and markets, as well as the emergence and significance of economic knowledge. Key thematic areas include work, exchange, organization, markets, capitalism, knowledge, and digitalization. The module introduces core theories, research questions, and empirical fields in economic sociology.

The module “Cultural Sociology” focuses on symbolic orders, structures of meaning, and cultural practices. It investigates how meanings, identities, and social realities are culturally produced, stabilized, and transformed. Topics include, among others, culture, media, communication, regimes of knowledge, and everyday practices, as well as their social preconditions and consequences.

The individual disciplines are brought together by integrated courses addressing overarching themes. To enable students to develop a research-based learning approach early on, particular emphasis is placed on interactive forms of study. This is achieved by means of small tutor-led groups and project-oriented tasks.