SOC10020 Introduction to Sociology

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module serves as an introduction into the foundational concepts, methods, and perspectives in sociology. These include the idea of society and the individual, social stratification and inequality, class and gender, social change and power relations, agency and non-human social action, etc. A sociological perspective allows us to make sense of the intersections between different social markers of inequality such as class, race, gender, and sexuality. Sociology asks the question of how difference becomes inequality. This module will support students as they develop their sociological imagination, learning to think critically about the world.

This module is organized around key concepts in sociology, through which students learn about both the theories and methods of social research. It begins with a critical assessment of the disciplinary field of sociology, its methodological traditions, and aspirations expected from sociologists. It then explores a selection of sociological concepts indicative of major debates in both history and contemporaneity of sociology.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

- Get an overview of sociological concepts;
- Understand major objectives and perspectives of sociology;
- Gain familiarity with major sociological methodologies and analytical issues;
- Approach the sociological imagination by starting to develop relevant questions about societies.

Indicative Module Content:

This module is organised around a selection of key sociological concepts that include: society; stratification; class and race; gender and sexuality; social change and agency, etc. The discussion of these concepts is used as an opportunity to discuss major themes and areas of sociological study, through which students learn about methodologies of social research. The module is an introduction to sociology as both a field of studies and an academic discipline. It offers a brief overview of sociology.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Seminar (or Webinar)

4
Autonomous Student Learning

103
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Due to the ongoing situation with the new Coronavirus, the module will be delivered by a method advised in the moment of delivery (offline, online, or a combination of the two). Please stay tuned to current updates from the UCD management team and the Irish government. If the module is delivered offline, the then current sanitary rules are mandatory in the classroom. All possible efforts will be made to provide access to the module materials in different forms. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students should be willing to engage in discussion in tutorial when provided the opportunity.

Learning Recommendations:

Students who take this module should be willing to read a significant amount as the module will involve a large amount of independent, self-directed learning.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): Students are expected to answer 10 questions of a short quiz about the forth set of sociological concepts. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

15
Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): Students are expected to answer 10 questions of a short quiz about the third set of sociological concepts. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

15
Assignment: Students will be asked to write a short essay on a certain topic. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes

40
Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): Students are expected to answer 10 questions of a short quiz about the first set of sociological concepts. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

15
Multiple Choice Questionnaire (Short): Students are expected to answer 10 questions of a short quiz about the second set of sociological concepts. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

15

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
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?

The quizzes are assessed automatically. Exam papers will receive a short feedback on Brightspace.

Name Role
Ms Deirdre Brophy Tutor