Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To approach the analysis of ‘social thought’ in sociology, with reference to a critically evaluative analytic framework.

To understand the analytic tools with which to evaluate individual contributors to the development of social thought and social theory.

To understand the relationship between theory and practice in the development of social thought and social theorising.


Social theory is an important part of the social sciences in general, and therefore for the discipline of sociology. However, it can often seem abstract or impenetrable to more everyday social concerns. This module aims to look at the relevance, value, and meanings of theory and theorising in the social sciences.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module includes the study of (1) how social theory has developed within the social sciences; (2) how social theory is shaped by the social context it exists within; and (3) how social theory contributes to sociological understandings of the social world.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1.Understanding of the range of contributors to social theory in the discipline of Sociology
2.Understanding of social theory as a socially mediated phenomenon
3.Understanding of the theoretical tools and concepts used to evaluate social theory

Intended Skill Outcomes

This module will develop skills of critical thinking through seminars and writing. It will develop students' capacities to: read, critically evaluate and synthesise material from different sources; express independent and critical thinking; devise coherent, substantiated arguments; critically assess, present and summarise social science data; explore the insights and limitations of social science perspectives. It will also refine students' skills of verbal and written communication and debate.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students have the opportunity to explore theoretical and conceptual issues in some depth, to read around the topics, and to marshal sources to advance an argument.

Teaching sessions are flexibly designed to incorporate a wide range of methods, including lecture input, seminar discussion, workshops, student presentations, film screenings, as appropriate to the material and in response to the needs of the student group. Teaching groups are small enough to enable discussion which can include significant amounts of formative feedback.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Essay format assessment provides the most appropriate method of evaluating students' understanding and conceptualisation of all relevant aspects of social theory in relation to sociology. The essay format assignment gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their interpretive understandings of the topics covered on the module and also gives students the opportunity to develop a piece of work on a topic of their choice in utilising the materials taught.

General Notes

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