Module SOCI1411: Perspectives in Sociology

Department: Sociology

SOCI1411: Perspectives in Sociology

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• Conceptualizing Society or Introduction to Research

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide an introduction to key sociological debates in sociology, chosen from topics that represent some of the main research areas of members of staff teaching in the School
• To enable students to think sociologically about ethical issues within research design and practice
• To provide students with a background in academic conventions and expectations related to writing and communicating in Sociology.

Content

• This module is based on introducing students to subject-specific topics and social problems that are important in contemporary sociological debates.
• Two core topics will be taught each year, and these will be situated within current research occurring within the School of Applied Social Sciences. As such, the module will draw on the research and expertise of colleagues across the School and is designed to provide an understanding of the application of sociology to particular issues and social problems.
• A third strand will examine the issue of ethics. This will include discussing ethical practice historically and the processes of being ethical in contemporary sociology.
• Academic key skills will be discussed, including referencing and plagiarism, and production of different text types required in the study of Sociology.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated:
• Appreciate the complexity and diversity of the social world.
• An understanding of the importance of social interaction and social structure related to these issues.
• An understanding of how empirical research informs our understanding of these issues, and a critical awareness of how research methodologies influence this knowledge.
• An understanding of ethical issues in sociology and the importance of ethical practice in undertaking sociological research.

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated:
• An ability to use sociological concepts to understand particular social problems or topics.
• Assess competing theories and explanations regarding particular social problems
• Construct reasoned arguments
• Reflect on accumulated knowledge
• Interpret evidence and text
• The ability to relate ethical issues to the practice of sociology

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated:
• Written communication skills
• Bibliographic skills
• Development of writing and referencing skills within a sociological context
• An ability to manage time effectively

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, alongside small group sessions at points throughout the term related to the development of academic skills such as writing (essays, reflections, reports) and referencing.
• The module will be organised into four core strands: two blocks of lectures organised around sociological topics based on research interests of the teaching staff, one strand examining issues around ethics, and one strand (integrated across the module) on academic skills.
• The two topic-based strands will each consist of five lectures, with associated seminars. There will be three lectures on ethics, and three lectures on key skills. There will also be further small group teaching related to the key skills lectures across the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Compulsory. A 1,000 word essay on a set question on Topic 1. This will be marked substantively by the Topic 1 academic or seminar leader. Students will also be encouraged to meet with the Academic Skills lead who will offer guidance on academic writing and referencing (scheduled for first two weeks of Term 2).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University