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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: SOCM043 Module Title: THEORY AND METHODOLOGY
Module Provider: Sociology Short Name: SOCM043
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: COOPER G Dr (Sociology)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Spring Semester
Assessment Pattern

One essay based on one of the course core themes.

Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Module Aims

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the importance of conceptual and theoretical issues in social research. In particular, we will consider the relationship between theoretical frameworks and different styles of empirical research, and some of the philosophical concepts and assumptions that underpin the practice of research.
Learning Outcomes

Having completed the module, the student should have:

  • an understanding of some of the fundamental issues in the philosophy of social science.
  • some insight into the relationship between theoretical frameworks and forms of analysis.
  • the ability to reflect critically on social research and its place in society.
Module Content

The module will address a range of issues and topics including:-

  • interpretation and explanation
  • the relationship between social scientific and lay accounts
  • conceptualising and analysing discourse
  • issues bearing on the scientific status of social research
  • the social construction of knowledge
  • the politics and ethics of social research
  • feminist social research
  • reflexivity
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Selected Texts/Journals

Clawson, D et al (2007) Public Sociology, University of California Press

Cooper, G et al (eds) (2009) Sociological Objects, Ashgate

Delanty, G and Strydom, P (eds) (2003) Philosophies of Social Science, Open University Press.

Elliott, A (ed) (2009) Contemporary Social Theory, Routledge

Garfinkel, H (2002) Ethnomethodology’s Program, Rowman and Littlefield.

Harding, S (ed) (2004) The Feminist Standpoint Theory Reader, Routledge

Hughes, J and Sharrock, W (1997) The Philosophy of Social Research, Longman.

McCarl-Nielsen, J (1990) Feminist Research Methods, Westview Press.

Rabinow, P (ed) (1986) The Foucault Reader, Penguin.

Silverman, D (1993) Interpreting Qualitative Data, Sage

Smith, D (1990) Texts, Facts and Femininity, Routledge.

Steier, F (1991) Research and Reflexivity, Sage.

Williams, M and May, T (1996) Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Research, UCL Press.
Last Updated
April 2011