Module: SOC5000-20 Sociological Debates

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Rosemary McKechnie

Module Tutor Contact Details: R.McKechnie@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module introduces key debates within contemporary sociology, focusing on two areas of social change: concern with appearance and ‘body work’, and consumer culture.  These areas encapsulate some of the public concerns about the ways social change is shaping our personal lives and cultural values. What are the impacts of globalisation, the dismantling of cultural boundaries, and the increasing centrality of new and social media in our lives? They also represent flourishing areas of sociological research and theorising as sociology engages with the impact of this kind of change in everyday lives. Are global populations experiencing improved lifestyles, and increases in individual freedom and agency to shape individual identity as some perspectives argue? Or, alternatively are people around the world being subjected to increased pressures to consume or comply with mediated imagery? The aim of this module is not only to help students to think about sociology, but to think as a sociologist by introducing these arguments in accessible ways.  Sociology came into existence in a period that was in many ways similar to the time we live in now: a world in transition where individual experiences were shaped by new possibilities and risks. Classical sociology offered powerful concepts and explanations to help us understand industrial society, but from the first there were important differences in the explanations offered by different perspectives. This module should help you recognise the strengths and weaknesses of new perspectives, and enable you to begin to develop your own critical viewpoint. It will also look at how key concepts such as class, inequality and power are being revised by contemporary thinking. This is where you start to find your own feet, to choose the perspectives you like and the topics that interest you.

2. Outline syllabus: 

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

• Introduction to key contemporary perspectives

• The rationalisation of consumption and cultural homogenisation

• Marxist approaches to transnational consumer culture

• Postmodern arguments about the symbolic economy

• Reflexivity and thoughtful consumption

• Consumption as a new vector of political action

• Body work: agency and structure

• Cultural Capital and gender order

• Post structuralism, discipline and biopower

• Reflexive body projects

• Embodiment and Gender order

• Post-bodies, Cyborgs and technocultures

• Methodological innovations and data gathering from big data to the selfie

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures provide an outline of each topic and seminars offer an opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of perspectives through discussions, debates, media materials, group work, and other interactive, student-led activities. Essential weekly readings will be set, which will directly feed into seminar activities and the class wiki. Contributions from guest speakers will develop understanding of key topics.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Individual contribution to a class wiki (2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Exam

• Description: Seen exam (Online submission, 2,500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%