Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of social structures and how they shape and influence social interactions;
Distinguish different sociological perspectives, and be able to specify the theoretical components, key theorists and historical settings of each perspective;
Examine and evaluate alternative sociological perspectives and opinions while challenging established as well as personal assumptions about social issues;
Develop analytical and interpretive skills through writing and other fora of public discussion.

Content:

This module offers an introduction to sociological theory and provides a historical overview of the systematic examination of society. The module will enable students to think sociologically and raise questions on the development of sociology as well as on the way societies are organised. Does society exist? How determined is social life? What is the relationship between society and the individual? The module focuses on key sociological texts and themes such as the distinction between community and society; institutions and social order; society and revolution; imitation and invention; functionalism and biological metaphors; redistribution and recognition; structure and agency.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be structured around lectures where key sociological themes and concepts will be introduced and seminars where students will compare themes and concepts and discuss their relevance. The module's Moodle page will serve as an information portal containing reading, links to reading and primary and secondary research and also as an archive of lecture materials.

Seminars/workshops
Hours: 30
Intended Group size: 30

Guided independent study
Hours: 170

Further details relating to assessment
Assessment 1. Directed activities: these consist of weekly tasks that must be completed and submitted for inspection at timetabled sessions each week. The assessment will be assessed on a pass/fail basis with a pass requiring at least 75% of all weekly tasks to be completed successfully. A pass will lead to the full award of 10% towards the final module mark. A fail in directed activities will contribute 0% to the final mark.

Assessment 2. Portfolio: This portfolio will contain a one page literature review focusing on one sociological concept, an annotated bibliography, and a short reflection about the module as an introduction to sociology. Full guidance and support will be provided in seminars, tutorials and on Moodle for the completion of the portfolio. The portfolio will have to demonstrate understanding of sociological concepts as well as the required academic skills.

Assessment 3. Essay: The will consist of a critical examination of a sociological concept. Full guidance and support will be provided in seminars, tutorials and on Moodle for the completion of the essay. The essay will have to demonstrate critical abilities as well as theoretical and historical awareness.

Full guidance and support will be provided in seminars, tutorials and on Moodle for the completion of the essay. The essay will have to demonstrate critical abilities as well as theoretical and historical awareness.

Assessment:

001 Directed activities; during semester 1 & 2 10%
002 Portfolio; 1500 words; end of semester 1 45%
003 Essay; 1500 words; end of semester 2 45%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Nicola Harding
Level - 4
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4YL