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SOC10010

Academic Year 2026/2027

Theorising Society: Foundations of Sociological Thought (SOC10010)

Subject:
Sociology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Sociology
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Ana Ivasiuc
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This is a 1st year module for sociology students. It provides an introduction to some of the main theories that laid the foundation for modern sociology. Sociology developed as an intellectual discipline in the 19th century as writers grappled with their understanding of modern capitalism. Some of the key writers include Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim. The course outlines their central ideas, their relevance for today and encourages students to critically assess them.Students wishing to take Sociology at Stage 2 should take this module.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:1. Explain the classical sociological theories that discuss social processes;2. Discuss and evaluate the different perspectives of Marx, Durkheim and Weber;3. Outline where these theories are relevant to modern society.

Indicative Module Content:

Discussion on the theories of the classical sociologists - Marx, Weber and Durkheim. Understanding what is theory and why it informs modern decision making.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

End poverty in all its forms everywhere 5

End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture 5

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 5

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 4

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 5

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 1

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 1

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all 5

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 1

Reduce inequality within and among countries 5

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 5

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 5

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts 1

Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development 1

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss 5

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 5

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development 1
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

10
Autonomous Student Learning

88
Lectures

20
Seminar (or Webinar)

4
Total

122

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lecture and extended in-class discussion with peers

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students who take this module should be willing to read academic texts as the module will involve independent, self-directed learning.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Reflective Assignment: This reflective assignment explores the links between individual change and social change, relying on research-based teaching and theory. Week 7 Graded Yes
50
 Yes
Assignment(Including Essay): Write an engaging, creative blog post, incorporating the perspective of classical sociological theory to analyze your midterm reflection data. Your task is to make research public-facing. ~2000 words Week 14 Graded Yes
50
 Yes

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback available during office hours.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Thurs 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 2 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 3 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Mon 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 4 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Mon 16:00 - 16:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 5 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Tues 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 6 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Tues 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 7 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 8 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 9 Week(s) - 5 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 9 Week(s) - 7, 10, 12 Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 10 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 11 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 12 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 13 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 14 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 15 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 16 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Thurs 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 17 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 18 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Seminar Offering 20 Week(s) - 5, 7, 10, 12 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
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