Module SOCI3677: Social Theory and the Politics of Knowledge

Department: Sociology

SOCI3677: Social Theory and the Politics of Knowledge

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The module introduces a range of contemporary social theories and, in some cases, extends students’ knowledge of existing ones. The module is organized through ‘focal points’ built around some of the most interesting contemporary debates in social theory, which have implications not only for scholarship, but also for how sociology is perceived and applied outside academic contexts. In this sense, the module aims to:
• Equip students with a better and deeper understanding of the range of sociological theorizing and its applications at present, as well as of the social, political, and historical contexts in which these theories were developed;
• Enable students to reflect on and justify the theoretical choices they make, including in undergraduate dissertations and future careers.

Content

• The module aims to cover the theoretical background and applications of current discussions and debates in social theory, allowing for adaptation and change between academic years. Topics would include some variation on or combination of the following:
• Introduction to the practice of theorizing – what makes a theory?;
• Sociology as science: explanation vs. interpretation in the 21st century;
• Social theory and social critique;
• Politics of social theory – does theory have a politics?;
• Theory beyond the ‘West’;
• Truth, knowledge and objectivity;
• Social theory after the ‘social’.

Learning Outcomes

• An advanced understanding of the historical, social, and political context of the development of major theories about the society in the 20th and 21st century;
• An advanced understanding of the key debates in contemporary social theory;
• A critical understanding of the relationship between major sociological theories and the social, political and economic elements of academic knowledge production;
• A critical understanding of the political and policy implications of sociological knowledge in the 20th and 21st century.

• Ability to read, analyse, and evaluate theoretical arguments in sociology and related disciplines, across a variety of contexts;
• Ability to search for, present, and critically evaluate theoretical literature (books, articles, Internet resources) independently or in addition to the resources made available in the curriculum (critical theoretical literacy);
• Ability to apply a range of theoretical perspectives to empirical and practical problems;
• Ability to critically assess, evaluate, and compare the political and social implications of different theoretical paradigms.

• Critical literacy skills: ability to read, evaluate, and assess arguments relative to their social context;
• Presentation skills: ability to identify, abstract, and summarize key ideas in a range of theoretical texts;
• IT skills: competence in the use of IT resources, including the ability to word-process and use web-based resources (Virtual Learning Environment);
• Interpersonal skills: ability to work collaboratively (in pairs and in groups) on reading, presentation, and writing tasks;
• Transferrable skills: ability to apply subject-specific skills outside academic contexts.

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

• Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and self-directed work.
• Learning takes place through attendance in lectures; participation in and preparation for workshops, including collaborative work; and independent reading, writing, and preparation, including of formative and summative assessment assignments.
• Summative assessment takes the form of one (online) essay of up to 2,000 words, where students present one key theorist or theoretical concept they have selected. It also provides the opportunity for structured feedback.
• Formative Assessment (non-mandatory) takes the form of written reflections on selected quotes from readings, followed by in-class (in workshop) presentation ('debate'). Students in groups (‘teams’) present a position on a key topic in the sphere of politics of knowledge; this gives them the opportunity to critically assess and evaluate different theoretical perspectives, and engage in discussion of and reflection on the social, historical and political determinants as well as implications of different theoretical perspectives.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

- In-class (in-workshop) group presentation (students present a ‘re-enactment’ of one of key debates/discussions in social theory). - Length/duration 20mins presentation; 10 mins prep (in-class – obviously advance prep via reading, unlimited time)

■ 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