SSC07101 - Introduction to Sociology 1

This module looks at a variety of sociological theories to demonstrate, through empirical examples, how they inform practice and explain social action. We start by addressing what sociology is and how it has evolved as a discipline since the Enlightenment. We they move on to consider the narratives of Modernity and the Post- Modern rejection of them. This leads into a more in depth engagement and analysis of some of the key `classical’ sociological theories and their contemporary social relevance, namely the Marxist, Weberian and Functionalist perspectives. We then proceed to explore and evaluate Feminist social theory before moving on to look at the work of the symbolic interactionists. In our analysis of the Frankfurt School we explore a number of sociological concepts that they raise from mass culture to social consciousness. We then move on to look at the work of Bauman and Giddens on the nature of `liquid’ or `late’ modernity and some of the important sociological issues they raise regarding contemporary society and social action. Risk society is the focus of our next series of lectures and here we explore the different perspectives of Beck and Furedi, amongst others, on the nature of risk in contemporary society. Our final area of investigation is the Body and what sociologists from Bourdieu to Wacquant have to say about how we use it and what is happening to it.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: Recognise the importance and relevance of theory for sociology.
LO2: Identify the contribution made by classical sociologists to the understanding of modern societies.
LO3: Comprehend the relationship between theory and practice and draw out the programmatic conclusions of different theoretical approaches.
LO4: Discuss key theoretical perspectives in contemporary sociology and the way they have contributed to our understanding of society and informed policy making and practice.
LO5: Differentiate between the central arguments of key sociological thinkers.
LO6: Develop critical reading, writing and presentational skills.