Undergraduate - UnitATS2855 - Making sense of the social world

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Synopsis

This unit examines the different theories which sociologists use to make sense of the social world. We explore the classical works of the founding fathers (Durkheim, Marx and Weber) and the ongoing legacies of each. The unit also engages with contemporary perspectives and considers how sociologists grapple with important sociological issues such as power, meaning, inequality and social change.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. Acquired a broad understanding of classical and contemporary sociological theories;
2. The capacity to identify, and differentiate between, different sociological theories and concepts;
3. The capacity to critically analyse the merits and limitations of different sociological approaches;
4. Gained skills in the written presentation of an argument, including the ways in which sociologists incorporate and acknowledge the ideas of other writers.

Assessment

Short essay (1000 words) 25%
Long essay (1500 words) 35%
Exam (2 hours) 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Nicholas Osbaldiston

Contact hours

One x 2 hr seminar/week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Sociology

Prerequisites

ATS1367 and ATS1898 or SCY1802, or equivalent

Prohibitions

ATS3855, GSC3201, GSC3202, SCY3815, SCY3816