Module: SOC4000-20 Questioning Society

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Helen Moore

Module Tutor Contact Details: h.moore@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

The study of sociology enables you to make sense of what’s going on in the world and also find out more about who you are. One of sociology’s strengths lies in challenging our ideas and opinions – about what is ‘natural’, what is ‘inevitable’ and what is ‘obvious’ about the world we live in. This module is concerned with questioning ‘common sense’ perceptions of contemporary UK society and the global context in which UK society exists. This will be done by taking contemporary descriptions of UK society and thoroughly questioning the accuracy of these ideas using concepts, theories and research data from sociology.

Using the lens of each weekly ‘question’ you will consider topics as diverse as culture and consumption; crime; city living; gender; sexuality; poverty and inequality and globalisation. You will also learn about key concepts, theories and skills that are central to sociology. At the end of the module you will be able to think more clearly, develop and defend an argument and be considerably more knowledgeable about yourself and the world around you and the knowledge and skills you develop in sociology will be useful to you in both your future studies and eventual career path.

2. Outline syllabus:

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

The Liquid Society? (identities and social structures)

The Consumer Society? (culture, consumption)

The Bio-political Society? (bodies and health, welfare, gender)

The Disciplinary Society? (crime, deviance and social control)

The International Society? (race/ethnicity, religion, politics)

The Digital Society? (media, technologies)

The Urban Society? (cities, economies, industry)

The Rational Society? (organisation, management and control)

The Knowledge Society? (education, work and employment)

The Unequal Society? (inequality, class, the life course)

The Globalized Society? (globalisation, migration, politics)

The Secular Society? (religion, beliefs)

3. Teaching and learning activities:

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops. Lectures introduce key concepts, theories and research for each topic. Workshops will support further learning and understanding through discussion and debate based on preparatory reading and work in class.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Workbook (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Essay (2000 words)

• % Weighting: 50%