Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Military, Militarism, Identity and Place
Code SOCI345
Coordinator Dr SR McGarry
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
S.R.Mcgarry@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

The aims of this module are as follows:
- To introduce students to the politics of studying ‘the military’ as a site of critical social inquiry
- To provide opportunities to consider the problematic role military institutions, activities, identities and values play within everyday life
- To afford a platform to think critically about the role(s), purpose(s) and representation(s) of military institutions, personnel and their practices
- To develop conceptual thinking and methodological approaches to studying military institutions and notion of ‘militarism’ critically


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An ability to think critically about issues and debates related to studying military institutions and ‘militarism’

(LO2) A confident grasp of theoretical perspectives, ideas and concepts employed to study military institutions and ‘militarism’ critically

(LO3) An understanding of sociological methods used to observe, document and analyse military institutions and notions of ‘militarism’ within everyday life

(S1) Communication (oral and written) skills

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving skills: evaluation

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving skills: observation

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving skills: critical analysis


Syllabus

 

During the course of this module students will engage with:
- Conceptual issues and debates relating to the politics of studying ‘the military’
- Critical approaches to researching and analysing military institutions, identities and their representation
- Ways of observing critically the situated roles military institutions, activities, values and practices (i.e. militarism) can have within everyday life
- Ideas regarding counter positions helping to oppose the expansion of military influences within civic life and political systems (i.e. antimilitarism)


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures will provide broad overviews for each topic and signpost students to key issues, theory, concepts, debates and authors to pursue in preparation for seminars and assessments.
Notes: Lectures may, on occasion, also include the viewing of appropriately selected videos, films, clips or documentaries. They will also include guest lectures from external speakers where possible and appropriate.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Face to face synchronous seminars, safety permitting.
Description: Seminars will be task based and student-led, investigating perspectives, concepts and theories in more detail using a mixture of key academic readings and activities.
Notes: During seminars students will be encouraged to discuss observational notes they have made outside of class relating to ‘the military’ and notions of ‘militarism’ within everyday life. These observational notes will be permitted and encouraged to be used to inform the assessed component of this module. Students will also, on occasion, be encouraged to bring in military-related artefacts and memorabilia they have collected during the course of the module for discussion and use in seminar activities.

Skill/Other Attribute 1: Communication (oral and written) skills
How this is developed: lectures, seminars, independent study
Skill/Other Attribute 2: Critical thinking and problem solving skills: evaluation
How this is developed: lectures, seminars, independent study
Skill/Other Attribute 3: Critical thinking and problem solving skills: observation
How this is developed: lectures, seminars, independent study
Skill/Other Attribute 4: Critical thinking and problem solving skills: critical analysis
How this is developed: lectures, seminars, independent study


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

10

        21
Timetable (if known) 60 mins X 1 totaling 11
 
60 mins X 1 totaling 10
 
         
Private Study 129
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Essay There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment.    100       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.