A 3,000 word essay [Learning Outcomes 1-3]

The module aims to develop students' understanding of social theory by examining in detail a variety of significant theoretical approaches, developments and issues in contemporary sociology. Topics covered in detail will vary from year to year but include, for example:-
The use of theory in making sense of nature and culture,
Durkheim and social facts
Interpretation and rationality and science
Weber, methodological issues and theories of social action
Parsons symbolic and interactional analysis: Mead and Simmel.
The self and society: classical theory and social order.
The self and society: Freud and psychoanalytic approaches.
Critical theory and the Frankfurt School.
Feminisms, difference and postmodernity.
Foucault and post-structuralism.
Reflexive modernisation and risk: Giddens and Beck.

Weekly whole group lecture, supported by fortnightly two hour 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 fulfill assessment requirements. Directed study schemes form an explicit part of the independent learning strategy, requiring students to work on particular materials, issues or concepts. Students are also encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance to support their learning and/or to prepare for assessment as required.

Ritzer, G. (1996, 4th ed) 'Modern Sociological Theory', McGraw Hill
Ritzer, G. (1996, 4th ed) 'Sociological Theory', McGraw Hill
Stone, R. (ed) (1998) 'Key Sociological Thinkers', Macmillan
Hughes, J. et al (2003) 'Understanding Classical Sociology', Sage
Hughes, J. et al (2003) 'Understanding Modern Sociology', Sage

The Library.
PCs with normal suite of University software, including access to e-mail, the Internet, word processing, etc.
TV and VCR equipment.
Audio-tape equipment.

1. AWARENESS OF THE ROLE OF THEORY FOR UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL LIFE.
Knowledge & Understanding

2. A CRITICAL AWARENESS OF SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN SOCIAL THEORY.
Analysis

3. A DETAILED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE EMPIRICAL APPLICATION OF SOCIAL THEORY.
Application