Sao Tome and Principe Sociology Curriculum (2º ciclo Ensino Secundário)

The Sociology curriculum for the 2º ciclo Ensino Secundário (10th-12th grade) in Sao Tome and Principe is designed to introduce students to sociological concepts and analysis, focusing on the context of Sao Tomean and African societies. The curriculum emphasizes active learning methodologies, encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills and apply sociological perspectives to real-world issues. The program is biennial, meaning it is taught over two years, either in 10th and 11th grade or 11th and 12th grade. The following is based on the 2010 curriculum document.

10th or 11th Grade

• Module: Introduction to Sociology
• What is Sociology? This unit introduces sociology as a scientific discipline, exploring its historical context and the production of sociological knowledge. It differentiates sociological knowledge from common sense understanding of the social world.
• Sociology and Knowledge of Social Reality: This unit delves into the nature of social reality, its complexity, and the role of social sciences in understanding it. It examines the genesis and object of sociology, including concepts like social facts, social structure, and social action.
• Methodology of Sociological Research: This unit covers research methodologies in sociology, including intensive, extensive, and action research strategies. It also explores the stages of sociological research, from problem definition to conclusion presentation. Different modes of information gathering are discussed, such as documentation, observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The unit also touches upon emerging fields of research and the importance of interdisciplinarity.
• Module: Society and the Individual
• Socialization and Culture: This unit examines the process of socialization, its mechanisms, and agents. It also explores the concept of culture, cultural diversity, cultural patterns, and ethnocentrism. The role of social representations, symbols, and stigma are also discussed.
• Social Interaction and Social Roles: This unit focuses on social interaction, social spaces, and the characteristics of social groups. It differentiates between belonging groups and reference groups and introduces the concepts of social roles, social expectations, and social status.
• Social Institutions and Social Processes: This unit analyzes social order, social control, norms, deviant behavior, and mechanisms of social control. It defines social institutions, their characteristics, and their role in maintaining social order and contributing to social reproduction and change.

11th or 12th Grade

• Module: Processes of Reproduction and Change in Contemporary Societies
• Globalization: This unit analyzes the phenomenon of globalization, including its economic, financial, and cultural dimensions. It explores the role of media, technology, and cultural diffusion in shaping a globalized society. The unit also discusses the impact of globalization on consumption patterns, lifestyles, and environmental issues.
• Family and School: This unit examines the family as a social institution, analyzing demographic indicators, family types, and the changing dynamics of family relationships. It also explores the role of the school in socialization, its functions in society, and issues related to educational inequality and lifelong learning.
• Social Inequalities and Identities: This unit analyzes social inequalities, focusing on social class, social mobility, and social movements. It also explores issues related to migration, ethnic diversity, gender, poverty, and social exclusion. The unit emphasizes the importance of understanding these issues in the context of Sao Tome and Principe's specific social dynamics.
• Module: Applied Sociology Project
• This module involves a practical research project, allowing students to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge and research methodologies to a chosen topic. The project emphasizes group work, information gathering, analysis, and presentation of findings. It encourages students to engage with relevant social issues in Sao Tome and Principe.