This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the ways sociologists attempt to document and explain the social experience of everyday life. Each week the category of 'social experience' is held up for analytical scrutiny in relation to a particular component of ‘everyday life’. The course aims to illustrate the value of sociology for helping individuals to better understand the contents and conditions of their social experience of the world. It also aims to document the ways in which sociological theories and methods have developed in correspondence with the evolution of modern societies. The curriculum will include topics such as: Sex, Gender and Sexuality, Racial and Ethnic Identities, Risk and Society, Crime and Deviance, Health, Media, Religion or Family.
Contact hours – 22
Private study – 128
Total study hours – 150
BA Sociology, BA Criminology, BA Social Policy and BA Cultural Studies
Main assessment methods:
Coursework 60%
Essay (2000 words) 40%
Seminar Participation 20%
Exam 40%
Short-term overseas students not present in the exam period will be given the alternative assessment of a second essay instead of the exam.
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework
Fulcher, J. and Scott, J. (2007) Sociology, 3rd edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Giddens, A. (2009) Sociology, 6th edition, Oxford: Polity.
Macionis, J. and Plummer, K. (2008) Sociology: A Global Introduction, London: Pearson.
Marsh, I. and Keating, M. (2009) Sociology: Making Sense of Society, London: Pearson.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Understand a wide range of topics which comprise contemporary sociology.
8.2 Display knowledge of competing sociological arguments.
8.3 Understand some of the controversies encountered by sociologists in order to promote critical thinking.
8.4 Understand how the discipline of sociology focuses on the social circumstances which shape and influence our lives.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Conduct basic research by using library e-journals and other online resources.
9.2 Display basic skills in regard to the organisation of information in a clear and coherent manner through essay writing and seminar-based
group discussion.
9.3 Demonstrate a basic understanding of theory and research.
9.4 Analyse and utilise basic statistical data drawn from research and official sources at a basic level.
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