12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL
Undergraduate - Unit
Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.
Faculty
Organisational Unit
South Africa School of Social Science
Chief examiner(s)
Coordinator(s)
Dr Alex Asakitikpi, Dr Tinashe Pfigu
Unit guides
Synopsis
The unit aims to integrate sociological theories, research methods, and specific research topics for students to develop both critical and analytical skills in their research areas of interest. The unit will concentrate on special or current debates in specific sociology areas and students will examine a variety of topics in line with their research focus which may include social class and social justice; gender, power, and inequality; the social dimension of health and illness; youth and youth culture; the sociology of communication and the media; youth, media and social processes; social justice. Students will be active learners through the presentation of seminars and will lead discussions and provide written review of topics that are related to their specific interests. The course delivery will incorporate all lecturers in sociology who will concentrate on their areas of expertise and interest.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate an in depth knowledge of sociological theories in general and applying them to specific sociological topics.
- Integrate sociological theories into core research interest.
- Examine and discuss the underlying assumptions that underpin sociological ideas and research.
- Identify key areas in sociology and explain their relevance in understanding contemporary social formations.
- Engage in contemporary debate in selected areas of sociological enterprise.
- Develop a broad capacity to conceptualize an explanatory model for an honours thesis.
- Critically review the scientific literature relative to a defined research topic.
Assessment
Within semester assessment: 100%
Workload requirements
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
See also Unit timetable information