This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Professor Nigel Dodd Room STC S106 & Dr Sara Salem Room TBD
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Culture and Society, MSc in Political Sociology and MSc in Sociology. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
A critical review of classical social theory. The origins and development of classical sociological theory; exploring the work of Marx, Weber, Simmel, Durkheim and De Bois through a close reading and interpretation of primary texts. This course will also explore subsequent developments within these theoretical traditions, including their elaboration into alternative 'canons' of social theory. It is not assumed that students have a basic grounding in classical social theory, although it is expected that students who register for this course will be prepared to develop their understanding through primary readings, and not rely on textbooks.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the MT.
Reading week: week 6 (MT)
Formative coursework
1000-word formative memo, due in Week 6 of MT.
Indicative reading
Relevant books that provide an overview include:
The reading list for each seminar will be divided up into essential and additional reading. Students will be asked to read between 50 and 100 pages of primary text per week.
The following is a sample list of readings:
And various essays such as:
Assessment
Essay (90%, 3000 words) in the LT.
Group exercise (10%).
The group exercise will be a summative seminar plan and presentation, in pairs, due throughout MT.
Two hard copies of the assessed essay, with submission sheets attached to each, to be handed in to the Administration Office, S116, no later than 16:30 on the first Thursday of Lent Term. An additional copy to be uploaded to Moodle no later than 18:00 on the same day. Attendance at all seminars and submission of all set coursework is required.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Total students 2019/20: Unavailable
Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable
Controlled access 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Student performance results
(2016/17 - 2018/19 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 19.7 |
| Merit | 46.5 |
| Pass | 31 |
| Fail | 2.8 |
Teachers' comment
The course is designed for students who haven't studied this material before, although there is plenty here too for those who just want to dig more deeply into the work of the four thinkers. I encourage students to read these theorists not just in terms of the history of ideas (important as this is) but also in a present day context. This is the focus of the classes that accompany each lecture.