Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC3140: Data, Experiments, and Society

This module descriptor refers to the 2022/3 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to enable you to critically reflect on the ethical and epistemic issues that experimental practice raises in various contexts. The module draws on a mixture of literature from philosophy, the social and natural sciences, and the corporate world (Google, Facebook, etc.) to build a conceptual toolbox that will allow you to perform such critical reflection.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. apply a broad variety of conceptual tools for analysing the nature of experimentation in contemporary culture
2. critically assess a case study of experimental practice
Discipline-Specific Skills3. demonstrate in writing and orally competence in using major theoretical perspectives and concepts in social science and how they apply to real-world cases
4. illustrate the role and importance of detailed empirical knowledge for sociological understanding
Personal and Key Skills5. demonstrate ability to think, write, and argue logically through class discussions and written assignments
6. reconsider your personal understanding of experimentation and its place in your own culture/discipline