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SP52119: Theoretical issues in sociology

[Page last updated: 15 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Credits: 5 [equivalent to 10 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 100
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 1
Assessment Summary: CWES 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Essay (CWES 100% - Qualifying Mark: 50)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: As a result of this unit, you will: 1. Have in-depth knowledge of key debates in contemporary social theory. 2. Fully understand and be able to critique key theoretical approaches in contemporary social theory. 3. Be aware of the historical and theoretical background to these theories and debates and be able to place them in the relevant tradition and context. 4. More fully understand how social theory offers insights into current social questions and issues.


Synopsis: Critically examine some of the key contemporary debates in social theory, and their relationship to issues raised by classical social theory. This unit aims to: - build your understanding of these debates and concepts - provide you with a sophisticated understanding of some of the current debates in social theory - help you to fully understand how abstract concepts and concerns are applied to the study of contemporary society

Content: The course will focus on some of the key debates in contemporary social theory. It will address the structure-agency debate and will consider issues raised by notions of subjectivity and identity. In locating contemporary debates in their historical context it will highlight connections between current theorists and the work classical theorists such as Marx, Durkheim and Weber. An examination of contemporary theories will include structuration theory, critical social theory, theories of risk society, postmodernity, and the work of social theorists such as Giddens, Habermas, Bourdieu, Foucault, Beck and Baudrillard.

Course availability:

SP52119 is a Must Pass Unit on the following courses:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
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