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 THINKING SOCIOLOGICALLY: APPROACHES TO SOCIAL INQUIRY SEMESTER 2
Code SOCI202
Coordinator Professor GG Mythen
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
G.Mythen@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce students to some of the major theories and perspectives on how social life can be studied and understood
To encourage reflection on the ways in which sociologists seek to approach studies of phenomena, with particular reference to the major philosophical underpinnings of social science relative to knowledge production.
To give students an appreciation of the ways in which sociologists use theories as a way to support empirical inquiry.
To encourage students towards a critical approach to knowledge production and to the distinctive contribution sociology makes therein.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An appreciation of the relationship between theory and method in the context of some major contemporary sociological accounts

(LO2) A capacity to problematize taken-for-granted accounts of knowledge (relative to both ‘everyday’ and ‘scientific’ understandings).

An understanding of the ways in which social power relationships relate to knowledge production

(LO3) Familiarity with major traditions within the contemporary philosophy of social science, and the position of key thinkers therein.

(LO4) An ability to evaluate the contribution of a range of influential thinkers and perspectives on the
organization of social action and social structure.

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Synthesis

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis


Syllabus

 

Organized around an appreciation of the contributions that theoretically informed, empirically-grounded sociological studies can make to our understanding of social worlds, the module is designed to present sociological theories and research in an engaging, dynamic format that encourages students to apply frameworks and perspectives to social issues.
The teaching programme is organized around engagement with the major conceptual issues that have become characteristic of sociological research relative to a number of key themes (Knowledge of the Social; Gender, Objects and Bodies). These themes are used to organize the sociological contributions to our understanding of major features of modern social landscapes, and allow for a ‘way into’ discussion of key thinkers (Spivak; Berlant; Butler; Haraway; Foucault; Derrida; Deleuze; Lynch; Latour) and their respective approaches to the production of ‘social scientific’ knowledge.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Hybrid - asynchronous pre-recorded lectures
Description: Lectures are designed to provide you with a firm grounding and to provide you with a compass to explore further independently.

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Face to Face synchronous seminars, safety permitting
Description: The seminars will be informal and student led. In the seminars the topics of the lecture will be discussed and debated by the group and students are expected to come to seminars having prepared thoroughly. All students should read the appropriate lecture notes, articles and chapters to prepare for the seminar and to engage in the seminar tasks that your tutor will facilitate.

Mixed, hybrid delivery, with social distancing on campus,


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

11

        23
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 127
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written Exam There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2    100       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             

Recommended Texts

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