Sao Tome and Principe Ensino Secundário - Sociologia (12th Grade)

The Sociology curriculum for Ensino Secundário, 12º Ano (12th Grade) in Sao Tome and Principe, as detailed in the official curriculum document ( aims to introduce students to sociological thinking and analysis. The curriculum is structured as a two-year optional course within the science and humanities streams, specifically for Social and Economic Sciences and Social Sciences and Humanities. It comprises a total of 99 teaching periods of 90 minutes each, equivalent to 148.5 hours over 33 weeks. The curriculum emphasizes the understanding of contemporary societies, with a focus on the Santomense and African context.

Course Structure:

The curriculum is divided into two modules: an initial module focusing on theoretical concepts and a practical application module involving research projects.

10th or 11th Grade:

• Module 1: Introduction to Sociology
• What is Sociology?: This unit introduces sociology as a scientific field, its historical context, and its role in understanding social reality.
• Sociology and Knowledge of Social Reality: This unit explores the production of sociological knowledge, differentiating it from common sense and highlighting the scientific method.
• Methodology of Sociological Research: This unit covers research strategies, including intensive, extensive, and action research, as well as the stages of sociological research. It also introduces various data collection methods such as documentation, observation, interviews, and questionnaires.
• Module 2: Society and the Individual
• Socialization and Culture: This unit examines the process of socialization, the concept of culture, cultural diversity, and the role of socialization agents. It also touches upon social representations, symbols, and stigma.
• Social Interaction and Social Roles: This unit explores social interaction, group dynamics, social roles, and statuses. It differentiates between ascribed and achieved statuses and analyzes social interaction as a dynamic interplay of roles and statuses.
• Social Institutions and Social Processes: This unit examines social order, social control, norms, deviant behavior, and mechanisms of social control. It also explores the role of social institutions in maintaining social order and contributing to social reproduction and change.

11th or 12th Grade:

• Module 1: Processes of Reproduction and Change in Contemporary Societies
• Globalization: This unit analyzes the phenomenon of globalization, its economic, financial, and cultural dimensions, and its impact on societies. It also explores the role of media, technology, and cultural diffusion in globalization.
• Family and School: This unit examines the transformations in family structures, demographic indicators, and the evolving roles within families. It also discusses the functions of school, its role in socialization, and challenges related to education.
• Social Inequalities and Identities: This unit analyzes social inequalities, class structures, social mobility, and social movements. It also explores issues related to migration, ethnicity, gender, poverty, and social exclusion.
• Module 2: Practical Application
• This module involves a research project where students apply sociological methods to investigate a chosen topic. The project emphasizes the practical application of learned concepts and research skills.

This curriculum aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of sociological concepts and research methodologies, enabling them to analyze social phenomena critically and contribute to a more informed understanding of their society.