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SOC20100

Academic Year 2024/2025

Sociological Theory Level 2 (SOC20100)

Subject:
Sociology
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Sociology
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Steven Loyal
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

About this Module

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
Autonomous Student Learning

99
Lectures

16
Seminar (or Webinar)

4
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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Mis-term Assignment worth 50% Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No
Exam (In-person): In person exam as terminal assessment End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
50
 No

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

Name Role
Carlos Maria Collado Garcia Tutor
Loghman Hamehmoradgheshlagh Tutor
Ms Aisling Hudson Tutor
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