Researching the Social: Contemporary Debates in Sociology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI4005 | Sociology and Social Policy | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- SOCI4005
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The module will require students to develop a critical and reflexive understanding of key substantive and theoretical debates in the field of contemporary sociology. Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to explore the relationship between theoretical development and substantive explanation. Students will also be required to develop a reflexive and critical understanding of how theoretical assumptions impinge both on social theory and sociological explanation. The substantive debates to be covered may vary from year to year in order to accommodate new developments in the field, while ensuring that a wide range of sociological theories are represented. However the following list provides a sample of possible candidates for inclusion: Social Inequality, Social Change, Modernity and Postmodernity, Power, Globalisation, Identity and Belonging, Capital.
Target Students
Available to all PGT and PGR students including subsidiary students from outside the school. Also available to students on the MA Social Science programmes, Students on the CDT programmes and Postgraduate Exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 4,000 words.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
Through a survey of contemporary debates in the field of sociology, students will develop an understanding of the relationship between theoretical development and sociological explanation, as well as the centrality of the theoretical assumptions that structure these debates. Students will also have the opportunity to engage critically with some key contemporary debates and in the process clarify their own theoretical and substantive positions.Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
a) Knowledge and Understanding of
• a critical and reflexive understanding of the research that is carried out within sociology.
• the theories that have shaped and continue to shape the discipline.
b) Intellectual Skills
• ability to critically assess research reports.
• ability to develop reasonable and coherent arguments.
c) Professional Practical Skills
• ability to define and formulate research problems and questions.
• ability to manage personal development.
• bibliographic skills including the ability to identify key resources (e.g. library, internet).
d) Transferable (Key) Skills
• a critical, applied, problem solving and analytical approach.
• formal and informal communication skills in writing, discussion and presentation.
• skills in critical self-awareness: an ability to evaluate own performance and to assess the skills that have been or could be acquired.