Collins, Randall (1994) Four Sociological Traditions, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Dillon, Michele (2010) Introduction to Sociological Theory. Theorists, Concepts and their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century, Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Giddens, Anthony (2009) Sociology, Cambridge: Polity Press.
Giddens, Anthony and Philip W. Sutton (eds) (2010) Sociology: Introductory Readings, Cambridge: Polity Press.

The library and e-brary
Blackboard
Lecture and seminar rooms with Powerpoint presentation and DVD playback facilities
Seminar rooms suitable for group work
PCs with student access to email, internet and word-processing

One 2,500 word essay weighted at 50% (LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 7)

One two-hour unseen exam under examination conditions weighted at 50% (LO 3, 5, 6, 7)

Key Information Set:
50% coursework
50% exam

This module introduces students to the theoretical origins of sociology as well as to sociological theories, perspectives and evidence regarding modernity and the social world. Students will be familiarised with the idea of a science of society and where it originated, as well as with the theories of the founders of sociology as a discipline (Durkheim, Weber and Marx) as well as contemporary sociological theories and perspectives (such as the Frankfurt School, Feminism, Symbolic Interactionism, Postmodernism). The module will explore how sociological theorists set out to explain the transformation and broad contours of modern Western society, especially its defining characteristics and its most pressing problems. Moreover, the module will show how sociological theorists conceptualise these social transformations through their analysis of society and the dilemmas confronting it. The different theories and concepts will also be approached by analysing different aspects of the social world which, depending on currency, staff availability and student responses may include topics such as stratification and social class; sexuality and gender; work; race and ethnicity; religion; globalization.

Whole group lectures, supported by seminars. Seminars will support students' learning through encouraging students to engage with the major themes and ideas introduced in lectures and through promoting the further development of subject and other key skills. In addition, seminars will support and guide students in the use of independent study time in order to prepare for workshops, and in order to fulfil assessment requirements. Students will also be provided with a Blackboard learning environment with additional learning and teaching resources, and a discussion board. Formative assessment for the exam will take the form of a mock examination during one of the seminars. Directed study schemes form an explicit part of the independent learning strategy, requiring students to work on particular materials, issues and concepts. Students are also encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance to support their learning and/or to prepare for assessment as required.

Key Information Set:
20% scheduled learning and teaching activities comprising:
Lectures
Seminars
Formative assessments

80% guided independent learning activities comprising:
Guided reading and research
Personal tutorials
Preparation for scheduled sessions
Completion of assessment tasks