Descriptif
Social sciences enable us to describe, explain, understand or critique social – i.e. collective and constraining - phenomena and their common interpretations. Among these phenomena, the economy is critical. This course is like “A Hitchhiker's Guide” to social sciences. It presents key concepts and groundbreaking empirical investigations from economics, political economy, economic history and sociology to grasp how the economy really works.
Objectifs pédagogiques
On completion of the seminar, students will be able to:
- Formulate a scientific question
- Develop a structured argumentation
- Master key concepts in social sciences
- Get an idea of the French startup ecosystem
effectifs minimal / maximal:
1/32Diplôme(s) concerné(s)
Pour les étudiants du diplôme Bachelor of Science de l'Ecole polytechnique
Requirements: No previous training in social sciences required
Pour les étudiants du diplôme Bachelor of Science de l'Ecole polytechnique
Vos modalités d'acquisition :
The mid-term exam (50%) will consist of a series of definitional questions. The final exam (50%) will be two written comments: one on a table or a graph documenting a social phenomenon of interest; and another comment based on the presentation by the invited professional (see Session 11, below). The students are expected to answer by mobilizing the key concepts presented during the twelve-week course.
Catch-up and remedials will consist of face-to-face evaluation with the instructor.
Programme détaillé
Session 1: What can you expect from social sciences?
- Assignment: read Coulmont and Simon (2019)
Session 2: Institution and rule
- Assignment: read David (1985)
- Complementary reading: Gardey (1998)
Session 3: What are the rules of the economic game?
- Assignment: listen to this podcast
- Complementary reading: Pistor (2019), chapter 1
Session 4: Market and organisation
- Assignment: listen this podcast
- Complementary reading: Coase (1937)
Session 5: What do intermediaries do?
- Assignment: listen to this podcast
- Complementary reading: Surak (2023), chapter 6
Session 6: Mid-term exam (1 hour) + Power and domination
- Assignment: watch The Network (1976) by Sydney Lumet
- Complementary reading: Lukes (2021), chapters 3 and 4
Session 7: What’s wrong with (the sociology of) elites?
- Assignment : read Bühlmann (2025)
Session 8: Structure and field
- Assignment: read Martin and Lee (2015)
- Complementary reading: Bourdieu (2020)
Session 9: What is the structural power of business about?
- Assignment: listen to this conference (at least the first 44 minutes)
- Complementary reading: Braun (2022)
Session 10: Institutional change and crisis
- Assignment: read 1942 Mauss’ “Note on crisis” (the instructor will provide an original translation of the text)
- Complementary reading: Ermakoff (2010)
Session 11: What are the conditions for innovation? A conversation with Adeline Lemaire, Executive Director, Head of Funds Investments at Bpifrance
- Assignment: read this interview
- Complementary reading Shestakofsky (2025), especially the introduction
Session 12: Final exam (2 hour)
Support pédagogique multimédia
