One 2,500 word essay weighted at 100% (LO 1 -5)

Key Information Set:
100% coursework

This module introduces students to the theoretical origins of sociology as well as to sociological theories and perspectives regarding contemporary society. 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. The module will show how sociological theorists conceptualise society, and how they apply sociological concepts to explain the social reality that surrounds us. The different theories and concepts will 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

Collins, Randall (1994) Four Sociological Traditions, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Dillon, Michele (2013) Introduction to Sociological Theory. Theorists, Concepts and their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century, Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Giddens, Anthony and Philip W. Sutton (2013) Sociology, 7th edition, 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

1. CRITICALLY UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SOCIOLOGY.
Knowledge & Understanding

2. ASSESS A RANGE OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES, EVALUATE SOCIOLOGICAL ARGUMENTS AND EVIDENCE ON DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF SOCIETY, AND DRAW ON MATERIAL FROM A RANGE OF SOURCES TO CONSTRUCT THEIR OWN ARGUMENTS.
Analysis

3. APPLY SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES TO THE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL DIVERSITY, INEQUALITY AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN MODERN SOCIETIES.
Analysis
Application

4. DEPLOY ESTABLISHED TECHNIQUES OF ANALYSIS IN RELATION TO SELECTED THEORETICAL PROBLEMS AND CASE STUDY MATERIALS.
Application
Problem Solving

5. EXPRESS THEORIES AND IDEAS COHERENTLY IN A STRUCTURED WRITTEN FORMAT. Communication