Course Catalogue

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What is social theory? What is the 'canon' of social theory, and why have some pioneering theorists traditionally been excluded from it? What are some of the different theoretical perspectives that post-war and contemporary sociologists and social anthropologists have developed in order to understand society? These are some of the questions that we will be considering in this course. Building on knowledge gained at pre-Honours levels the course aims to help develop a more systematic and theoretical grasp of the disciplines of sociology and social anthropology as well as their contributions to the critical understanding of society. 

20 contact hours over the course of a single semester. This will normally consist of 2 hours per week and may be a combination of lectures and seminars/workshops.

The entry requirements for this course are a grade of 'D' or better in Sociology 1A and Sociology 1B and a 'D' or better in Sociology 2A and Sociology 2B. You also have to comply with the College of Social Science regulations for progression to 3rd-year non-Honours.

None, except that this course replaces the previous Social Theory 1: Foundations of Society (86BU and NKFW) and Social Theory 2: Reconsiderations and New Directions (86GL) courses.

Our Sociology Level 3 Non-Honours provision is made up of three separate courses. So, in order to achieve 60 credits of Sociology Level 3, you also need to take Qualitative Research in the Social Sciences (Sociology Level 3) AND Quantitative Research in the Social Sciences (Sociology Level 3).

If an on-campus examination: 180-minute examination, two questions to be answered from different sections of the examination paper. Students will have range of questions from which they can choose.

If an online examination: two questions to be answered from different sections of the examination paper, with a limit of 1,500 words per answer. Students will have range of questions from which they can choose.

The principle aim of this course is to build on some of the central themes of the Level 1 and 2 modules and provide students with a sound knowledge and critical understanding of the academic disciplines of Sociology. More specifically, the module aims to:

• build on knowledge gained at pre-honours levels in order to develop a more systematic and theoretical grasp of the disciplines of sociology and social anthropology as well as their contribution to the critical understanding of society;

• examine critically the analytical frameworks of classical and contemporary social theories;

• provide an adequate context for understanding different theoretical perspectives in sociology and anthropology;

• enable you to enhance your transferable and inter-personal skills, particularly in communication, time management, individual and group research work, and critical appraisal of social issues.

By the end of the course you should be able to:

■ demonstrate an understanding of the historical background to and context of the rise of modern social theory;

■ discuss some of the key works of social theory by both classical and contemporary writers;

■ display an awareness of a number of recent influential developments in, and reassessments of, sociological and anthropological thought.

■ display the following transferrable skills: a) the capacity to plan, organise and manage your work; b) the ability to assimilate and order material drawn from related disciplines such as history and philosophy

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.