Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC2005: Theoretical Sociology

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

In this course, you will be introduced to a wide range of theoretical texts in social theory, classical and modern, and will develop an ability to read such texts closely. However, you will also be encouraged to think critically about the nature and purpose of social theorizing—to ask what the point of abstract theory is, and what theory is good for. We will then examine a range of theoretical perspectives and substantive topics that can be used to deepen our understanding of the social nature of personal and everyday experiences—of ourselves, and of others in our society and around the world. In assignments and exams, you will be expected to illustrate and extend the ideas they encounter, using concrete examples from their own lives and surroundings.

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 knowledge and critical understanding of a range of current perspectives in social theory 2. demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate these perspectives and to relate these perspectives to empirical studies and findings;
Discipline-Specific Skills	3. demonstrate in writing an ability to reflect upon, apply and criticise theoretical models and conjectures generally, 4. show an ability to analyse and critically engage with materials involving complex reasoning;
Personal and Key Skills	5. demonstrate an ability to critically engage in complex arguments verbally and in small groups. 6. demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate in written form complex arguments and ideas

How this Module is Assessed

In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.

Formative Assessment

A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Discussions in tutorials	Fortnightly	1-5	Verbal feedback
Essay	1000 words	1-4, 6	Written feedback

Summative Assessment

A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
33	67	0

...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Essay	33	2,500 words	1-4, 6	Written feedback
Examination	67	2 hours	1-4, 6	Written feedback

Re-assessment

Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Essay	Essay (2,500 words)	1-4, 6	August/September assessment period
Examination	Examination (2 hours)	1-4, 6	August/September assessment period