Contemporary Society: Field and Case Studies
| Module title | Contemporary Society: Field and Case Studies |
|---|---|
| Module code | SOC1020 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This course introduces you to the subject matter of sociology by looking at a diverse range of research areas. In the manner of case studies we will consider the transitions from modernity into the present. We will ask to what extent these transitions and transformations are reflected in those cases, to what extent traditional and modernist structures and norms are resilient, and what these cases could tell us about the nature of contemporary society. Also, the different topics may serve as problematising mini-introductions to the respective specialist sociologies.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module is designed to complement the stage one modules that are concerned with theoretical and/or methodological approaches to sociology. Introducing specialist fields in sociology by connecting them to general developments is intended to further develop a critical understanding of the transformation of modern societies to the present day, with a particular focus on the last three decades.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the specific fields within the sociology of contemporary society that are the subject matter of this module;
- 2. demonstrate analytical understanding approaching diverse and distinct developments in contemporary society;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. demonstrate the ability to relate a body of Sociological knowledge to a specific context;
- 4. think clearly and argue logically about contemporary societies; expressing sociological ideas both orally and in writing;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. demonstrate the ability to undertake independent study; and
- 6. demonstrate the ability to select appropriately from a range of suggested material and to present key arguments clearly.
Syllabus plan
This course approaches Contemporary Society by focusing on particular issues and topics including the following:
The family
Community
Sexuality
Madness and psychiatry
Technology
Consumption
Social movements
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | 121 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 22 | 11 x 2 hour lectures. The module employs a mixture of methods - the lectures are relatively prescriptive, seminars rather less so |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 5 | Fortnightly 1 hour seminars. In seminars, students are encouraged to select the topics that interest them most and to reflect on their personal experiences. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 2 | Revision lecture and seminar |
| Guided Independent study | 30 | Tutorial readings |
| Guided Independent study | 51 | Reading/research for essays and essay writing |
| Guided Independent study | 40 | Revisions for exams |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 words | 1-6 | Written |
| Specified contributions to tutorial work | Weekly | 1-6 | Verbal feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 100 | 2 hours | 1-6 | Exam mark and feedback on request |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Examination ( 2 hours) | 1-6 | August/September assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Delanty, G. (2010) Community, 2nd edition, London: Routledge
Weeks, J (2003) Sexuality (2nd Edition). London: Routledge
Cockerham, W.C. (2011). Sociology of Mental Disorder, 8th edition, London: Prentice Hall
Haugaard, M. (2002) Power: A Reader, Manchester: Manchester University Press
Sassatelli, R. (2007) Consumer Culture: History, Politics and Theory, London: Sage
Suchman, L. (2007) Human–Machine Reconfigurations: Plans and Situated Actions, revised edn, New York: Cambridge University Press
Martell, L. (2010) The Sociology of Globalisation, Cambridge: Polity
Della Porta, D. and Diani, M. (2006) Social Movements: An Introduction, 2nd edition, Oxford: Blackwell
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/2003 |
| Last revision date | 06/12/16 |
