Understanding Contemporary Society
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI1017 | Sociology and Social Policy | 1 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- SOCI1017
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The first part of the module introduces the students to some of the contemporary and historical debates in sociology in the 21st century. Sociology is primarily concerned with investigating the changing nature of society and the arrival of the internet, globalisation and migration will be explored. Sociology as a discipline has a long historical tradition that in recent years increasingly recognises the dominance of western thought and has begun to decolonise. As such, students will have a working knowledge of Durkheim, Marx and Weber to orientate themselves with an understanding of the world of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Students will also be introduced to a collection of more recent and formerly marginalised theorists to appreciate the diversity of sociological thought (e.g. Du Bois, Hooks and Gilroy).
Questions such as the impact of the arrival of the consumer society, the importance of difference and diversity, the role of utopia, the importance of art and social movements, the development of the network and mediated society, issues related to gender identity and sexuality, and our shared ideas about the urban setting and the future are all covered in this part of the module.
Overall, students will be introduced to a range of different perspectives to help them understand a changing world.
The module has been designed to help students engage with social theory and uses diverse sources to enhance students' understanding of core texts and concepts.
Target Students
Available to all level 1 students in the School of Sociology and Social Policy and level 1 and level 2 subsidiary students from outside the school and exchange students.
Classes
This module is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Assessment
- 40% Coursework 1: 2,000 words.
- 60% Coursework 2: 2,000 words.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The aims of the module are:1. To introduce the student to the main current and historical theoretical conceptual debates in sociology.2. To encourage students to think critically about what we mean by society both historically and in the twenty-first century.3. To diversify the students’ engagement with sociological theorists.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will have developed:
1. An introductory understanding of the main theoretical debates in the sociology
2. An introductory understanding of classical and contemporary sociology.
3. The ability to see the value of both contemporary and historical work in the social sciences.
Intellectual Skills
Students will have developed the capacity:
1. To engage critically with the academic debate and literature regarding aspects of the wider society.
2. To appreciate the role of critical sociology in the twenty-first century.
3. To understand how abstract arguments and more empirical concerns are interlinked.
4. To appreciate the diverse voices that have contributed to contemporary social theory and recognise the need to decolonise the discipline.
Professional Practical Skills
Students will have developed:
1. An ability to write in a clear, structured and critical manner utilising a wide range of source material.