SOC06009 2017 Introduction to Sociology
The module is an introduction to sociology with a focus on Irish society. One main task of sociology is to explain the social world in which we live. In doing this, it becomes more difficult for us to take for granted that things are as they are and less easy to assume that things could ever be different. To do this, we examine the society in which we live now, but also at the very different ways in which human beings have organised their lives together, elsewhere and in the past. This can give us an understanding not only of the perceived strangeness of other people's ways but of the strangeness of ourselves. This module challenges students to confront some of their deeply held views within a sociological context and to engage in a dual process of reflective and interactive learning. The basic perspectives and methods of sociology will be explained and aspects of Irish society will be explored from a sociological perspective.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Discuss the role of the sociologist both as an observer of social life and as offering a social commentary
Outline the development of sociology as a distinct discipline
Describe a number of the main sociological theories and concepts
Evaluate key sociological debates
Identify and select one of the specific areas to present on in class
Teaching and Learning Strategies
The teaching and learning is based on the notion of a shared experience approach to learning, peer support and guidance from the lecturer.
Module Assessment Strategies
There are two components to the assessment:
- Class Presentation
- Terminal Exam
Repeat Assessments
Repeat requirements are dependent on failed component(s).
Indicative Syllabus
1. An invitation to Sociology: Thinking Sociologically
- the emergence of sociology as a distinct academic discipline: what is sociology
- the sociological imagination
- the main theoretical perspectives in sociology
- culture, society, socialisation and the individual
2. Groups, Networks and Social Institutions
- institutions have been defined as a 'fairly stable cluster or norms, values, statuses and roles...centered on some social need'
- two main institutions in Irish society and their influence on our own lives: family and education
3. Social Stratification, Social Inequality and Power
- explain the contemporary approach to an analysis of social stratification based on the classical Marxist and Weberian approaches
- conceptualising social class and gender as forms of stratification
- poverty in Ireland
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Presentation | Continuous Assessment | Individual Project | 40 % | OnGoing | 1,4,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 60 % | End of Semester | 2,3 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Lecture | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Tutorial | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Module Resources
Essential Reading
Macionis, J. and K. Plummer (2012) Sociology: A Global Introduction. UK: Pearson/Prentice Hall. 5th edition.
McIntrye, L.J. (2005) The Practical Skeptic, Core Concepts in Sociology. Boston: McGraw Hill
Share, P., M. Corcoran and B Conway (2012) A Sociology of Ireland. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan. 4th edition
Supplementary Reading
Berger, P. (1966) Invitation to Sociology. London: Penguin
Bilton, T., Bonnett, K., Jones, P., Lawson, T., Skinner, D., Stanworth, M. and Webster, A. (2002) Introductory Sociology. London: Palgrave Macmillan. 4th edition
Bauman, Z. (1990) Thinking Sociologically. UK: Blackwell.
Giddens, A. and P. Sutton (2013) Sociology. UK: Polity Press. 7th edition.
Haralambos, M and M. Holborn (2008) Sociology: Themes and Perspectives. London: Collins Educational. 7th edition.
McDonald, B. (2014) An Introduction to Sociology in Ireland. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 3rd edition.
May, V. (ed.) (2011) Sociology of Personal Life. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
O' Connor, P. (1998) Emerging Voices: Women in Contemporary Irish Society. Dublin: IPA.
Scott, S. (2009) Making Sense of Everyday Life. London: Polity.
Irish Journal of Sociology
Sociology
None