РОЗВИТОК ІНТЕЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ ЗДОБУВАЧІВ ОСВІТИ У ПРОЦЕСІ ОПАНУВАННЯ НАВЧАЛЬНОГО КУРСУ «ЗАГАЛЬНА СОЦІОЛОГІЯ»
DEVELOPMENT OF INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCE OF STUDENTS IN THE PROCESS OF MASTERING THE COURSE «GENERAL SOCIOLOGY»

Summary/Abstract: In the article, the significance of the academic discipline «General Sociology» in developing the general scholarly (intellectual) competencies of higher education students is examined in depth. Sociology, which focuses on a comprehensive analysis of social processes, plays a key role in fostering critical thinking skills, the ability to argue one’s position convincingly, and the formulation of forward-looking ideas. By emphasizing global social phenomena and trends, the «General Sociology» course enables students to observe the interconnections among various spheres of human activity and to develop a systematic approach to problemsolving. The article devotes special attention to clarifying the concepts of «competence» and «intellectual competence». The author emphasizes that competence is not merely a volume of knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge in specific practical situations. Intellectual competence involves the capacity for independent analysis of phenomena and processes, the formation of critical judgments, and the use of various research methods and data interpretation. At the same time, it includes a creative component, as it requires flexibility of thought and the constant search for innovative ways to address professional and socially significant challenges. Within the scope of the study, a few effective methodological approaches aimed at stimulating students’ cognitive activity are outlined. Among these is problem-based learning, which allows students to thoroughly investigate complex social situations and encourages them to seek creative solutions. Project-based methods and interactive forms of work (debates, group discussions, presentations) foster collaboration skills, leadership, and responsibility for the outcomes of group work. The authors provide examples of real-life cases through which students learn to analyze large volumes of information, including statistical data, and to draw well-reasoned conclusions. The article underscores the advisability of using innovative educational technologies capable of enhancing motivation to learn and improving the effectiveness of mastering material. Online platforms with interactive content, digital simulations of social processes, as well as collaborative environments for big data processing, offer broad opportunities for engaging students in research activities. This deepens their assimilation of sociological theory and develops the skills necessary for the modern specialist. Concluding the analysis, the authors point to prospects for further research in the context of improving methods for assessing the level of students’ intellectual competencies. They highlight the need to update the content of the «General Sociology» course by incorporating interdisciplinary approaches, which will help integrate knowledge from various fields and strengthen students’ research skills. Such a comprehensive approach is intended to train highly qualified professionals capable of effectively addressing pressing social issues and responding promptly to the challenges of contemporary society.

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