Postgraduate Module Descriptor

SOCM023: Social Theory

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

To provide a thorough and rigorous discussion of some of the main theoretical traditions and paradigms in sociology and anthropology.

To illustrate theories through the use of empirical research and examples.

To foster techniques of analytical and critical inquiry.

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 Skills	1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of classical and contemporary social theories 2. Engage critically with classical and contemporary social theories 3. Interpret the social world through the prism of social theories and theoretical accounts
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. Demonstrate in-depth awareness of the concepts/theories used by sociologists and anthropologists 5. Demonstrate in writing ability capacity to apply theoretical models and conjectures generally 6. Use empirical and historical case-studies to enrich and test social theories.
Personal and Key Skills	7. critically engage in complex arguments verbally and in small groups 8. effectively communicate in written form complex arguments and ideas

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following themes:

Theme 1: Epistemology

Theme 2: Structure/Agency

Theme 3: Everyday life

Theme 4: Power and inequality

Theme 5: Post-humanism and the ontological turn

Each theme will be discussed via the medium of empirical research and/or examples

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22	11 x 2 hour seminars
Guided Independent Study	60	Preparation for seminars: 60 hours
Guided Independent Study	68	Preparation for essays: 68 hours

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).