SOC20100 Sociological Theory Level 2

Academic Year 2020/2021

The aim of this module is to introduce students to a broad range of sociological theorists and theories. The emphasis is on modern and contemporary theorists. Students will be required to be familiar with classical theorists such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim. In particular, the course seeks to develop and enhance the students' knowledge and appreciation of contemporary sociological theory, the contexts in which they were developed, where they are placed in the field of sociology, how they relate to each other and how they help explain social life. Often the module will deal with specific theorists, their background, theoretical interests and concerns, and their major works. Reference will generally be made to the strengths and weaknesses of their work and how it compares and contrasts with that of other theorists. The types of theories and theorists covered in the module may include, symbolic interactionism (Blumer, Goffman), Neo-Marxism (Gramsci, Lukacs), Frankurt School (Adorno, Horkheimer, Marcuse, Habermas), and Functionalism (Parsons, Merton).
A 1,500 word essay is required for assessment.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Through taking the course, students should be able to:
*Demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of contemporary sociological theory and theorists
*Describe the main contributions of different theories and theorists to our knowledge and understanding of social life
*Use the theories and concepts appropriately and in a clear and competent manner to explain social life
*Describe and analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each theory and theorist
*Place the theories and theorists within the field of sociology and understand how they relate to classical as well as other contemporary theorists

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

16
Seminar (or Webinar)

4
Autonomous Student Learning

99
Total

119
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, seminars and essay 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students will be required to be familiar with classical theorists such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as covered in SOC 10010.

Learning Recommendations:

In addition to being familiar with the material covered in SOC 10010, we also recommend that students have completed SOC 10020 Introduction to Sociology, and have an interest in ideas about how society works or is problematic. It is also important that students have an ability to make an argument, and a good level of English.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: 1500 word essay Week 9 n/a Graded No

50
Essay: 1,500 word essay Unspecified n/a Graded No

50

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

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on assessed coursework as individual comments published in the VLE, in group sessions at lectures/seminars, and or in person during office hours as appropriate