SP22022: Contemporary sociological theory
[Page last updated: 09 August 2024]
| Academic Year: | 2024/25 |
| Owning Department/School: | Department of Social & Policy Sciences |
| Credits: | 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 200 |
| Level: | Intermediate (FHEQ level 5) |
| Period: |
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| Assessment Summary: | CWES 70%, CWSI 30% |
| Assessment Detail: |
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| Supplementary Assessment: |
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| Requisites: | |
| Learning Outcomes: |
By the end of the unit students will be able to:
1. Identify as well as compare and contrast a range of approaches in contemporary sociological theory
2. Appraise the strengths and limitations of different theoretical traditions from various perspectives
3. Recognise and critically discuss links between sociological theories and the socio-political, economic and cultural contexts in which they emerged
4. Evaluate key areas of theoretical advancement and challenge in the development of sociology as a discipline
5. Apply key sociological concepts and ways of arguing as a way of illuminating substantive problems of social analysis |
| Synopsis: | Expand your understanding of sociological theory, with a particular emphasis on key theoretical developments taking place in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Youll study topics from 1920 to the present day, with a focus on recent (post-1960) developments. Youll examine and appraise key theoretical approaches in depth.
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| Content: | This unit seeks to expand students' understanding of sociological theory, with a particular emphasis on key theoretical developments taking place in the 20th and 21st century. The overarching aim of the unit is to enable students to examine and appraise key theoretical approaches in some depth. The traditions and orientations are situated in their historical context, including areas of continuity and discontinuity among them. The unit revolves around close reading of the writings of key thinkers and developing skills in examining, synthesizing and critiquing their arguments. Building on a detailed understanding of each tradition consideration is also given to key cross-cutting themes running through the work of different thinkers and how they contributed to the development of sociology as a discipline. The strengths/limitations of different perspectives are discussed and, where appropriate, their relevance to social research explored. |
| Course availability: |
SP22022 is Compulsory on the following courses:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
SP22022 is Optional on the following courses:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
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Notes:
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