Allan, K. (2010) The Social Lens. Sage
Blom, R. et al (eds.) (2003) The Information Society Reader (Routledge)
Cohen, R. and Kennedy, P. (2007, 2nd edition) Global Sociology (Palgrave Macmillan) [and companion website at www.palgrave.com)
Elder- Vass. D. (2012) The Reality of Social Construction Cambridge
Hughes, J. et al (2003) Understanding Classical Sociology, Sage
Hughes, J. et al (2003) Understanding Modern Sociology, Sage
Kumar, K. (2005, 2nd edition) From Post-Industrial to Post-Modern Society (Blackwell)
Swingewood, A. (2000, 3rd edition) A Short History of Sociological Thought (Palgrave Macmillan)

The module aims to develop students' understanding of social theory by examining in detail a variety of significant theoretical approaches, developments and issues in classical and contemporary sociology. The focus is particularly on those theories that are of relevance for understanding the processes that are involved in transforming the self and society.

Topics covered in detail will vary from year to year but may include in the first part of the module, for example: the use of theory in making sense of nature and culture; issues in the philosophy of science; Durkheim and 'social facts'; interpretation, rationality and a science of society; Weber, methodological issues and theories of social action; Parsons symbolic and interactional analysis; Mead and Simmel, the self, interaction and society; mind and society; classical theory and social order; the self and society; critical theory; ethnomethodology and postmodernism.

The second part of the module will examine 'classical' perspectives on societal change and compare and contrast these with more recent attempts to characterise 'transitions' in terms, for example, of post-industrialism, the knowledge/information society theories, post-fordism and postmodernism. This will be set within a critical analysis of ideas about social identity and social divisions in relation to globalisation. In particular, it will involve an analysis of major social divisions and identities such as social class, gender and ethnicity and how these operate at a global and inter-societal level in the 21st Century. Particular attention will be given when examining large scale processes of social change to factors such as technological transformation, the relationship between production and consumption, the changing structure and organisation of western and non-western societies, and the shifting boundaries between the state, the economy and civil society.

An essay (50%) (3000 words)
An exam - length 2 hours (50%)


Key Information Set:
50% coursework
50% written exams

Whole group lectures, supported by seminars/workshops. 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. 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
Exam practice and revision

Access to:
Blackboard
Powerpoint/OHP projection facilities
Internet and email
VCR/DVD playback facilities