Theoretical Sociology (SOC2005A)
This module description relates to the academic year 2007/8.
| Lecturer(s) | Professor Andrew Pickering |
|---|---|
| Module level | 2 |
| Credit Value | 15.00 |
| ECTS Value | 7.5 |
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Co-requisites | None |
| Duration of Module | One semester : Semester 2 |
| Total Student Study Time | 150 hours (11 x 1 hour lectures; 5 x 1 hour tutorials, 134 hours private study) |
Aims
To introduce students to sociological theory as a resource for use and an inheritance to be addressed critically. The teaching is organised around key ideas and approaches, not the work of individuals, with the aim of introducing students to different forms of theory, and to how they are used and simultaneously evaluated, in accounting for empirical findings.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion, the following outcomes are sought in relation to those students who typically take the module and their existing levels of knowledge and competence.
Module-specific skills:
More detailed knowledge of important general approaches and specific contributions to sociological theory; enhanced ability to relate this theoretical material to empirical studies and findings.
Discipline-specific skills:
Enhanced ability to reflect upon, apply, and criticise theoretical models and conjectures generally; and to analyse materials involving complex reasoning.
Personal and key skills:
Enhanced ability to present complex arguments verbally and to discuss them critically in small groups.
Learning/Teaching Methods
Lectures. Small group tutorial discussions of prepared topics.
Assignments
One extended essay of ~2000 words. A short presentation [10-15 mins] in a small group, with Q and A and discussion to follow. Chairing of discussions.
Assessment
Entirely [100%], by a 2 hour end-of-course unseen examination.
Syllabus Plan
The module will consider individualism, functionalism and interactionism as the main varieties of sociological theory and analyse their strengths and weaknesses. Exemplary instances of the application of these theoretical perspectives will be considered, and the importance of evaluating them in the light of empirical materials, both those obtained through standard sociological methods and those available in the work of social historians will be emphasised throughout.
Indicative Basic Reading List
B.Barnes The Elements of Social Theory UCL Press 1995
Randall Collins Weberian Sociological Theory Cambridge university press 1986
Harold Garfinkel Studies in Ethnomethodology Prentice Hall 1967.
Mancur Olson The Logic of Collective Action Harvard University press, 1965
