This course examines how social theorists with different epistemological positions have addressed a range of key issues and thereby contributed to a critical understanding of the nature of contemporary societies. In so doing, it aims to develop students' ability to make a reasoned defence of particular theoretical traditions and to use social theory to think critically about themselves, their experiences and their own place in the world.

20 contact hours over the course of semester 1. This will normally consist of 2 hours per week and will be a combination of lectures and seminars/worskshops.

None, except that this course replaces the previous Current Issues in Social Theory course [NMWS 40 credits].

None.

One essay of no more than 4000 words (excluding the bibliography). The essay must be typed or word processed, double spaced and in font size 12. Two copies of the essay must be submitted. A list of essay questions will be provided in the course guide, although students may also answer a question they have devised themselves on condition that they obtain the prior agreement of the Course Convenor.

The aims of this course are to:

■ examine how social theorists with different epistemological positions have addressed a range of key issues and thereby contributed to a critical understanding of the nature of contemporary societies;

■ develop students' ability to make a reasoned defence of particular theoretical traditions and to use social theory to think critically about themselves, their experiences and their own place in the world.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ describe and compare how social theorists with different epistemological positions have addressed a range of key issues and thereby contributed to a critical understanding of the nature of contemporary societies;

■ draw on evidence from a range of appropriate social theoretical sources and demonstrate an ability to synthesise them;

■ evaluate competing approaches within contemporary social theory to a number of key issues, drawing reasoned conclusions.

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