Module SOCI54630: Contemporary Sociological Theory and Social Transformation

Department: Sociology

SOCI54630: Contemporary Sociological Theory and Social Transformation

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The module aims to provide students with an advanced education in:
• 1. the range of theories that inform and shape sociological work, and their relationships to social transformations;
• 2. the methodological implications of such theoretical approaches;
• 3. the interrelationships of power, social divisions, social diversity and social inequality;
• 4. approaches for conceptualising the relationship between the individual and the social world.

Content

• The module examines systematically contemporary sociological theories which facilitate our understanding of transformations in modern society. The module places sociological theories in their historical contexts, explores different theorizations of social divisions, examines conceptualizations of self and identity, and assesses how theorists have sought to account for recent social changes.

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of the module, students will:
• have an advanced understanding of the range of theories that inform and shape sociological work, and their relationships to social transformations;
• understand the methodological implications of such theoretical approaches;
• be able to use these approaches to understand and analyse power, social divisions, social diversity and social inequality;
• be able to use these approaches to conceptualize the relationship between the individual and the social world;
• have an advanced understanding of the distinctive character of Sociology as a discipline.

• Be able to evaluate critically evidence and ideas at the forefront of research and thinking in the subject;
• Be able to deal with highly complex issues and communicate conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• Demonstrate a high degree of self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems;
• Be able to continue to acquire knowledge and understanding at an advanced level.

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

• Lectures: introduce key theoretical concepts in the context of wider debates, with reference to social transformations. Lectures also highlight the methodological and practical implications of such concepts;
• Seminars: enable students to evaluate sociological arguments and evidence, and to consider what is distinctive about sociological approaches. Students will be encouraged, within seminars, to develop their own sociologically-informed questions and analyses, and to present complex scholarly work orally in a coherent and accessible manner. Seminars will include analysis of: the relationship between theoretical and methodological issues; the relationship between the individual and the social world, and, social divisions;
• Independent Study: allows students to read widely around different topics, drawing on debates within scholarly journals and research monographs, and developing skills in critically engaging with literature.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will receive direct feedback in relation to their oral contributions to lectures and in seminars. They will receive formative assessment in relation to written preparatory tasks and seminar presentations. Students will be offered the opportunity to attempt historic summative assignments and receive feedback. Individual surgery sessions will be timetabled in relation to students’ plans for their summative assignments.

■ 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