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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: SOC1024 Module Title: INTRODUCTION TO 20TH CENTURY SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY: SOCIAL ORDER AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Module Provider: Sociology Short Name: SOC1024
Level: HE1 Module Co-ordinator: MEADOWS RA Dr (Sociology)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Semester 2
Assessment Pattern

Unit(s) of Assessment

 
Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)

 

2 hour seen exam

 

100%

 

Qualifying Condition(s) 

 

A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.

 
Module Overview

Within this module we will begin to explore 20th century sociological theory.  We will begin with an examination of the Chicago school, before moving to look at Parsons, Ethnomethodology and Habermas.  The intention is not to cover all aspects of these theorist’s work.  Rather, we will frame our investigation around their discussions of social order/social change.  We will conclude the module with two sessions on feminisms; asking what a feminist sociological theory may add to these debates.

 
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
None
Module Aims

To introduce students to the ‘problem of order’ and to encourage them to consider this a key issue in all societies

To introduce students to key 20th century sociological theorists – and especially their work on ‘social order and social change’

To encourage students to think critically – both about these theories and 21st century societies
Learning Outcomes

Have developed an initial understanding of some key aspects of contemporary sociological theory, laying the groundwork for further study in this area

Have a good understanding of the types of questions and issues which concerned sociology/sociological theory in the 20th century

Be able to (critically) apply theory to their own sociological work

Be familiar and comfortable with the notion of ‘thinking sociologically’

 
Module Content

1 Introduction to the course & the Hobbsian ‘problem of order’

 

2 Chicago School of Sociology

 

3 Parsons

 

4 Ethnomethodology

 

5 Habermas

 

6. Critical Issues and Feminism
Methods of Teaching/Learning

11 lectures and 11 seminars

Weekly reading and seminar preparation

Students will also be asked to complete an exam question plan early in the course (formative)
Selected Texts/Journals

Craib, I. (1992) Modern Social Theory: From Parsons to Habermas, (2nd ed) Harvester/Wheatsheaf

·         Cuff, E., E., Sharrock, W., W. and Francis, D., W. (2006) Perspectives in sociology (5th edition) London: Unwin Hyman 

·         Lee, D. and Newby, H. (1983) The problem of sociology, London: Routledge

 

·         Ritzer, G. (2008) Sociological Theory, (7th edition) McGraw Hill 
Last Updated
April 2011