The Sociology Course in Évora, 1964: Novelty, Establishment and Founding Elements of the First Sociology Degree Course in Portugal

Abstract

In Portugal, the first sociology degree course named as such was a private initiative begun in 1964, and only later on did public universities start offering sociology courses. What accounts for this sequence? What is behind the foundation of sociology by private hands, far from the university centers of that time? These questions motivate our inquiries in this article. Specifically, we present a brief overview of the first sociology course in Portugal. We outline the broader context in which it was created as well as the main characteristics that made this an innovative course at that time. By giving voice to one of the actors directly engaged in the process, we hope to highlight a comprehensive perspective on the activities and accomplishments of the Portuguese sociological venture during this early period. Finally, this narrative seeks to contribute not only to a better understanding of the origins of sociology in Portugal, but also to the history, documentation and development of sociological inquiry as a whole.