Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | End of module assessment | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Written essay 1500 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | End of module assessment | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Written Essay 1500 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Describe the key concepts and debates which have pre-occupied Sociology.
Discuss strengths and relevant criticisms of a range of fundamental sociological concepts.
Understand and evaluate different theoretical approaches to society and how they impact on different social groups and institutions.
Brief description
‘Key Concepts in Sociology’ provides an introduction to the various concepts that are commonly used by sociologists to understand the social world. Attention will be drawn to some of the core concepts that have structured sociological thinking over the long term, such as patriarchy, the welfare state, colonialism and capitalism. Students will also be introduced to a range of sociological concepts that have become more significant in recent years, such as culture, identity, globalisation and neoliberalism.
Content
This module introduces students to the various concepts that are commonly used by sociologists to understand the social world. The module offers a portrait of Sociology through its core concepts, which range from patriarchy, the welfare state, colonialism and capitalism to culture, identity, globalisation, power and neoliberalism. Each concept will be examined in its theoretical and historical context, and emphasis drawn to relevant critiques as well as ongoing significance in contemporary sociological thought. While the discussion of these themes is conceptual, it will also explore the real-world impact on social groups and institutions.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Not explicitly developed in this module. |
| Communication | The module will develop students’ written communication skills through the requirement to complete written assessments. In addition, students will develop their oral communication skills through team-working and involvement in class exercises. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Student attendance and participation in the lectures will help them to enhance a range of learning skills. The module also requires students to participate in group discussions and extensive self-directed study. |
| Information Technology | Students will be required to undertake research for the module using bibliographic search-engines and library catalogues. They will also utilize standard word-processing packages in the completion of the coursework. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | The module will help students to develop a range of transferable skills including time management, self-discipline, research planning and team-working in class exercises. |
| Problem solving | The module will develop students’ problem-solving skills in a number of ways. Students will be required to analyse a range of sources and texts in class exercises and as part of their independent research and coursework assessment. |
| Research skills | Students are expected to research and synthesize a range of academic source materials in preparing for classes and for their assessments. |
| Subject Specific Skills | The module will enable students to develop and practice subject-specific skills in Sociology. |
| Team work | The classes will include problem-solving exercises and group discussions which will provide opportunities for students to develop team-working skills and discuss their thoughts with the class. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4