Course Description
Course Name
Foundations of Modern Sociological Theory
Session: VLNF3423
Hours & Credits
10 UK Credits
Prerequisites & Language Level
Please note that students will not be able to enroll in combination with SOC020N221.
Taught In English
- There is no language prerequisite for courses at this language level.
Overview
Assessment: 2 mini-essays (1000 words each) to be submitted on-line
This module is designed to introduce students to the diverse range of perspectives which contribute to the sociological imagination. It is intended to give students a taste of the many different ways they can approach a subject of sociological enquiry. It is important for students to understand that debates within sociological theory are often the result of different interpretations of the same field of study. The module is specifically designed to encourage students to think about so-called ?schools of thought?, to understand what it might be that makes one school of thought different from another, what features might be shared by different schools of thought, and how different perspectives might complement one another in building a fuller understanding of a given subject of enquiry. Furthermore, while an understanding of theory is an essential part of any sociology programme, theory should not be presented as something which is done by others and written about in text books. Theorising, seeing how different perspectives can shed light on particular subjects, should be actively encouraged as part of the training of any sociologist.
This module is designed to introduce students to the diverse range of perspectives which contribute to the sociological imagination. It is intended to give students a taste of the many different ways they can approach a subject of sociological enquiry. It is important for students to understand that debates within sociological theory are often the result of different interpretations of the same field of study. The module is specifically designed to encourage students to think about so-called ?schools of thought?, to understand what it might be that makes one school of thought different from another, what features might be shared by different schools of thought, and how different perspectives might complement one another in building a fuller understanding of a given subject of enquiry. Furthermore, while an understanding of theory is an essential part of any sociology programme, theory should not be presented as something which is done by others and written about in text books. Theorising, seeing how different perspectives can shed light on particular subjects, should be actively encouraged as part of the training of any sociologist.
*Course content subject to change