Last modified: 28 Jun 2018 10:27
Karl Popper argued, wisely, at least this time, that ‘all languages are theory-impregnated’. In this course we learn to reflect explicitly about that which may otherwise simply remain implicit in empirical sociological examination. In this project, we are assisted by important thinkers who have developed distinctive and influential ways of considering the social. We begin with classical sociological theory (Marx, Weber, Nietzsche) before moving on to the work of more recent social thought (including, Actor Network Theory and Dorothy Smith), giving students an advanced working knowledge of the most important theoretical tools available to jobbing social scientists.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | None. | Sustained Study | No |
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This seminar course exposes students to a range of social theory, covering the period from the classical theorists through to present-day thinkers. It demonstrates the ways in which social theory has developed in response to large-scale social change and problems, and focuses especially on how contemporary theorists have responded to these. A wide range of thinkers, from a broad range of schools of thought, are presented and subjected to evaluation. Special attention is paid to the theoretical treatment of core social problems. Theoretical positions covered may include critical theory, conflict theories, structuralism, post-structuralism, post-modernism, feminist theory, theories about inequality and stratification, accounts of late modernity, risk society, and others. Students will also be introduced to current developments, for example the sociology of emotions or debates about digital society. While learning to engage with and evaluate theory is the main task, the relevance of theory to contemporary issues is highlighted throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on how theoretical ideas can be related to empirical contexts, and indeed, on how social theoretical lenses are crucial resources for carrying out social scientific investigations in a range of substantive areas. Student centred collaborative learning is a core part of the pedagogical focus of the course, and a range of pedagogical formats are used.
Students who are not undertaking a postgraduate programme of study in Sociology must contact the course co-ordinator to confirm suitability of the course to their programme of study.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
The course is 100% continuous assessment. Assessment comprises a series of three critical written responses to the readings, collated as a course workbook. THe first assignment is worth 30% of the final mark, and the second and third assignments are worth 35% each of the final mark.
There are no assessments for this course.
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