Introduction to Social Analysis: Classical Social Theory
| Module title | Introduction to Social Analysis: Classical Social Theory |
|---|---|
| Module code | SOC1037 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Ernesto Schwartz Marin (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 50 |
|---|
Module description
Ernesto Schwartz-Marin will be the lecturer for this module.
The module introduces the core ideas of the three classical theorists that have contributed most to the formation of modern sociology, the other social sciences, and the modern intellectual worldview: Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Max Weber. The module looks at the ideas, theories and perspectives of Durkheim, Marx and Weber on each of the following three core areas of their shared interest in understanding and explaining the origins, development, structure, and trajectory of modern society: 1. The idea of social science, 2.The origin and development of modern society, and 3.Critical evaluation of the institutional framework of modern society. Ideas are examined in relation to the social, political and historical context out of which they emerged.
Module aims - intentions of the module
Students will learn about the significance and fecundity of basic theoretical ideas and principles for thinking about and investigating the social world sociologically and social scientifically. In addition to attaining a basic familiarity and understanding of the core ideas in classical social theory, the module aims to demonstrate and promote further reflection on their continuing relevance both to the foundations of the social sciences and to our lives and the wider world in which we live.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. explain and illustrate different modes of social analysis and their concomitant theoretical / conceptual frameworks;
- 2. exhibit awareness of the historical, social and political origins of classical social theory and modern society;
- 3. think about social, psychological and personal issues in a specifically sociological manner;
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. reason and construct written arguments in a sociological manner;
- 5. use evidence, analysis and argument in a sociological manner;
- 6. read classic and contemporary textual material both in terms of historical situatedness and wider significance to the discipline;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. formulate and discuss core theoretical ideas and apply them to various social issues; and
- 8. challenge 'common sense' assumptions about individual and social reality.
Syllabus plan
1. Introduction: Modernity: The age of revolution and Enlightenment.
2-4. Durkheim: The reality of social facts; The origin & development of modern society; Theory of Suicide and anomie.
5-7. Marx: Dialectic, ideology, and science; Historical materialism; Alienation and exploitation.
8-10. Weber: Science, value and meaning; The spirit of capitalism and rationality; Ideal types, value-neutrality and Verstehen.
11. Marx, Weber and Durkheim: The theoretical legacy.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 123 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 22 | 11 x two hours weekly lectures. Lectures provide students with a broad overview of types and ways of social analysis; they cover more ground than is possible in tutorials, and are designed to establish a context in which to think about the issues discussed in tutorials. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 5 | 5 x fortnightly 1 hour tutorials. A specific reading is assigned, and students are provided with a list of key issues to identify and discuss for each tutorial. Texts are carefully chosen as classic exemplars of the core course themes. |
| Guided Independent study | 33 | Course readings |
| Guided Independent study | 45 | Preparation for essays, library, research |
| Guided Independent study | 45 | Exam revisions |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation in tutorial discussions | Weekly | 1-3, 4-5,7-8 | Verbal feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-8 | Written feedback |
| Examination | 50 | 1 hours | 1-8 | Exam mark + comments on request |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1,500 word essay | 1-8 | August/September assessment period |
| Examination | 1 hour Examination | 1-8 | August/September assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
A. Giddens (1971) Capitalism and Modern Social Theory
Hughes, Martin and Sharrock (1995) Understanding Classical Sociology
In addition, original texts of the classics are provided on ELE, and the syllabus reading lists provides information on latter day scholarly examination of classic theory in electronically accessible journal articles
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/
| 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 | 31/01/13 |
