One two-hour unseen exam under examination conditions weighted at 100% (LO 1-6)

Key Information Set:
100% exam

This module introduces students to classical sociological theories regarding modernity, as well as contemporary sociological theories, perspectives and evidence that explain the changes that marked the shift to the second modernity. Students will study classical sociological theory (Durkheim, Weber and Marx) and will be familiarised with a variety of 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.

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. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE THEORETICAL ORIGINS OF SOCIOLOGY, AND THE FOUNDATIONS OF MODERNITY.
Knowledge & Understanding

2. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIOLOGICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE SHIFT FROM MODERNITY TO THE SECOND MODERNITY
Knowledge & Understanding

3. ASSESS A RANGE OF SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES, EVALUATE SOCIOLOGICAL ARGUMENTS AND EVIDENCE ON MODERNITY AND THE SECOND MODERNITY, AND DRAW ON MATERIAL FROM A RANGE OF SOURCES TO CONSTRUCT THEIR OWN ARGUMENTS.
Analysis

4. APPLY SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES TO THE ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS OF MODERN SOCIETIES.
Analysis
Application

5. DEPLOY ESTABLISHED TECHNIQUES OF ANALYSIS IN RELATION TO SELECTED THEORETICAL PROBLEMS.
Application
Problem Solving

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