SOCI1331: Classical Sociological Theory

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• To provide an introduction to key sociological concepts and ideas.
• The module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their conceptual skills.

• This module provides an introduction to sociological concepts and theorising.
• The course will be taught through using both individual thinkers and particular topics to illustrate changing understandings of the relationship between structure and agency in sociological thinking both across time and in relation to current debates.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of the module students will have:
• A broad knowledge of a range of theoretical positions and an ability to apply them to social issues.
• An understanding of the use of concepts in sociology and their wider application.

Subject-specific Skills:

• By the end of this module students will be able to:
• Evaluate basic empirical evidence.
• Assess competing theories and explanations.
• Gather and analyse information.
• Interpret texts and follow a theoretical argument.
• Demonstrate basic skills in synthesising sociological arguments.
• Demonstrate an ability to reflect on their accumulated knowledge.

Key Skills:

• By the end of this module students will have demonstrated:
• Basic written communication skills.
• Basic bibliographic skills.
• Basic learning and study skills.
• An ability to manage time effectively.

• Theoretical positions, concepts and the building blocks of sociological argument will be presented in lectures.
• The relationship between sociological theory and wider social issues will be presented in lectures and explored further in seminars.
• Students will be expected to interpret texts and summarise theoretical arguments in seminar presentations and formative and summative coursework.
• Two summative essays: provides the opportunity for students to display their critical and analytical abilities by applying the knowledge they have gained to a specific theme, or themes, considered during the module, and to draw what they have learned in ways that demonstrate the acquisition not only of the discipline specific skills outlined in the Benchmark statement but many of the cognitive skills as well.
• Students will be expected to undertake bibliographic searches.
• Information will be provided through Blackboard Learn Ultra and students will be expected to take part in discussion groups.

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