SOC06009 2022 Introduction to Sociology
Full Title
Introduction to Sociology
Transcript Title
Introduction to Sociology
Code
SOC06009
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
SOC - Sociology
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
06 - Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2022 - Full Academic Year 2022-23
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Maire Hanniffy, Dr. Jacqueline O'Toole
Programme Membership
SG_HJOIN_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and Politics
Description
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;
1.
Discuss the role of the sociologist both as an observer of social life and as offering a social commentary
2.
Outline the development of sociology as a distinct discipline
3.
Describe a number of the main sociological theories and concepts
4.
Discuss key sociological debates
5.
Present learning on a selected sociological topic
Teaching and Learning Strategies
An active and inclusive learning environment that facilitates co-construction of knowledge will be facilitated. Methodologies such as discussion of readings and blogs, reflection activities and case studies may be utilised. Accessible material will be facilitated as far as possible. Moodle will be used to support learning and store learning resources.
Module Assessment Strategies
There are two components to the assessment:
- Portfolio (60%) This portfolio assesses LO 1,2, 3 and 4. This portfolio will focus on student learning. Examples of possible sections include blog entries, notes from class, reflections on readings, and artefacts that reflect learning in the area of origins of sociology, the sociological imagination, the sociological perspective, research in sociology, culture, family and stratification. Sections will be submitted in a staggered format throughout the semester. Students may be expected to submit work on weeks 4,6,8,10,12.
- Presentation (40%) This presentation assesses LO 5. Students in small groups may present learning on topics and issues such as the origins of sociology, the sociological imagination, the sociological perspective, stratification, family, culture and socialisation. and theoretical perspectives. Students receive formative feedback in a preparation class before the presentation series begins. After each presentation, students receive feedback that they can then use in the portfolio assessment. Each group is assigned one submission date in either week 6/7/8/9/10/11/12 to present their learning as a group in class.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat requirements are dependent on failed component(s).
Indicative Syllabus
LO 1. Discuss the role of the sociologist both as an observer of social life and as offering a social commentary
- The Sociological Imagination
- Seeing the General in the Particular and Seeing the Strange in the Familiar
- Tasks of a sociologist
LO 2. Outline the development of sociology as a distinct discipline
- The emergence of sociology as a distinct academic discipline
- Social change and modern society
- Research in sociology
LO 3. Describe a number of the main sociological theories and concepts
- Introduction to Functionalism
- Introduction to Conflict Theory
- Introduction to Symbolic Interactionism
LO 4. Discuss key sociological debates
- Functions of the family
- Feminist perspective of the family
- Doing family
- Family life in Ireland
- Dimensions of Culture
- Process of Socialisation
- Conceptualising social class and gender as forms of stratification
- Marxist and Weberian approaches to stratification
LO 5. Present learning on a selected sociological topic
- Present learning on topics and issues such as the origins of sociology, the sociological imagination, the sociological perspective, stratification, family, culture and socialisation. and theoretical perspectives
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Presentation | Coursework Assessment | Project | 40 % | OnGoing | 5 |
| 2 | Portfolio of Learning | Project | Assignment | 60 % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4 |
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 |
| Independent Learning | Not Specified | Independent Learning | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Required & Recommended Book List
Recommended Reading
2021-02-14 Discovering Sociology Red Globe Press
ISBN 1352011441 ISBN-13 9781352011449
2021-02-14 Discovering Sociology Red Globe Press
ISBN 1352011441 ISBN-13 9781352011449
This second edition of a major textbook uses lively prose and a series of carefully-crafted pedagogical features to both introduce Sociology as a discipline and to help students realize how deeply sociological issues impact on their own lives. Over the books twelve chapters, students discover what Sociology is, alongside its historical development and emergent new concerns. They will be led through the theories that underpin the discipline and familiarized with what it takes to undertake good sociological research. Ultimately students will be led and inspired to develop their own sociological imagination learning to question their own assumptions about the society, the culture and the world around them today. Historically, the majority of introductory Sociology textbooks have run to many hundreds of pages, discouraging students from further reading. By contrast, Discovering Sociology has been carefully designed and developed as a true introduction, covering the key ideas and topics that first year undergraduate students need to engage with without sacrificing intellectual rigour.
Recommended Reading
2017-03-14 Sociology, Global Edition Pearson Higher Ed
ISBN 9781292161501 ISBN-13 1292161507
2017-03-14 Sociology, Global Edition Pearson Higher Ed
ISBN 9781292161501 ISBN-13 1292161507
For courses in Introductory Sociology See sociology in everyday life Sociology empowers students to see the world around them through a sociological lens, helping them better understand their own lives and the world we all share. John Macionis, author of the best-selling Introductory Sociology franchise over the last three decades, takes students step by step through the theories and research that make up the discipline, helping them to find and use the science of social behavior in everyday life. In addition to extensively updated data, the Sixteenth Edition offers engaging discussions of hot-button contemporary topics such as the increased proliferation of social media as well as expanded coverage of race, class, and gender. MySocLab not included. Students, if MySocLab is a recommended/mandatory component of the course, please ask your instructor for the correct ISBN and course ID. MySocLab should only be purchased when required by an instructor. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. MySocLab is an online homework, tutorial, and assessment product designed to personalize learning and improve results. With a wide range of interactive, engaging, and assignable activities, students are encouraged to actively learn and retain tough course concepts.
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
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
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 (2017) Sociology. UK: Polity Press. 8th 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.
Journal Resources
Other Resources
Irish Journal of Sociology
Sociology
Additional Information
None