MODULE SPECIFICATION TEMPLATE
MODULE DETAILS
Module title
Module code
Credit value
Level
Mark the box to the right of the
appropriate level with an ‘X’
Foundations of Sociology
SS422
20
Level 4 X Level 5
Level 6
Level 0 (for modules at foundation
level)
Level 7
Level 8
Entry criteria for registration on this module
Pre-requisites
None
Specify in terms of module codes or
equivalent
Co-requisite modules
None
Specify in terms of module codes or
equivalent
Module delivery
Mode of delivery
Taught
Other
X
Distance
Placement
Pattern of delivery
Weekly
X
Block
Other
Online
When module is delivered
Semester 1
Semester 2
X
Throughout year
Other
Brief description of module The module is designed to equip students with an understanding of
traditional sociological theory and its applications today. It aims to
content
introduce the foundations of sociology including key thinkers, key debates,
Overview (max 80 words)
and main theoretical perspectives. The module examines the
development of structuralist and social action perspectives and their uses
and abuses today. Recent challenges to traditional sociological theory will
be also examined.
Module team/ author/
coordinator(s)
School
Site/ campus where
delivered
Neil Curry
School of Applied Social Science
Falmer
Course(s) for which module is appropriate and status on that course
Course
BA (Hons) Applied Psychology and Sociology
BA(Hons) Sociology
BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
BA (Hons) Social Science
BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy
BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology
Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012
Status (mandatory/ compulsory/
optional)
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
Compulsory
MODULE AIMS, ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT
Aims
The aims of the module are:
 To introduce students to foundational aspects of sociology,
including major theorists and key sociological theories of social
change
 To help students to understand the usefulness of classical theory
and concepts for contemporary sociological analysis
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module the student will be able to :
1. Understand the development of classical sociological theory
and be familiar with key thinkers and their theoretical and
methodological perspectives
2. Critically analyse original sociological texts
3. Compare and contrast major classical sociological traditions
4. Assess classical theoretical perspectives and discuss the
strengths and weaknesses of each for understanding
contemporary social issues
Content
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Learning support
Introduction: understanding social change from a sociological
perspective; the application of classical sociology to current
issues/problems; the enlightenment and early sociology; the
use and abuse of classical theory today.
Foundations: Marx and historical materialism, economy and
society, capitalism and alienation, class struggle, dialectics
and social change. Weber and verstehen, ideal types,
causality and rational action, materialism, idealism and the
protestant ethic, sources of meaning. Durkheim, the division
of labour and social solidarity, Parsons and Merton, society as
a social system, and the problem of and social order. Simmel,
consumption cultures, the city and mental life.
Issues: applying traditional sociological perspectives to
understand/debate social issues today, indicative topics:
globalisation, McDonaldisation, fashion, the body,
Disneyfication, Respect and Anti-social behaviour, media,
sustainability, risk, and community action.
Student Central
Module Handbook
Module Reader including key readings and active reading questions.
Key Reading List:
 Allen, K. D. 2005. Explorations in Classical Sociological Theory.
London: Pine Forge.
 Best, S. 2003. A Beginner’s Guide to Social Theory. London:
Sage.
 Craib, I. 1997. Classical Social Theory, Oxford: Oxford University
Press.
 Durkheim, E. 1985. Readings from Emile Durkheim, edited by K.
Thompson, London, Routledge.
 Harrington, A. (2005. Modern Social Theory. Oxford: OUP.
 Hughes, J, Sharrock, W and P.J. Martin. 2003. Understanding
Classical Sociology. London: Sage.
Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012
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Law, A. 2011. Key Concepts in Classical Social Theory. London:
Sage.
Lee, D and H. Newby. 1983. The Problem of Sociology. London:
Routledge.
Marx, K. 1983. The Portable Karl Marx, edited by E. Kamenka,
Harmondsworth, Penguin.
Morrison, K. 2006. Marx, Weber, Durkheim: Foundations of
Modern Social Thought. London: Sage.
Ray, L. 1999 Theorizing Classical Sociology. Buckingham: Open
University Press.
Ritzer, G. 2007) Contemporary Sociology and its Classical Roots.
London: McGraw Hill.
Weber, M. 1991. From Max Weber, edited by H. H. Gerth and C.
Wright Mills, London, Routledge.
Journals:
British Journal of Sociology, Sociology, The Sociological Review
Sociological Research Online; Journal of Classical Sociology.
Teaching and learning activities
Details of teaching and
learning activities
Includes a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
There will also be assignment support in the form of group and individual
tutorials.
Allocation of study hours (indicative)
Study hours
Where 10 credits = 100 learning hours
SCHEDULED
This is an indication of the number of hours students can expect to
spend in scheduled teaching activities including lectures, seminars,
tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, practical classes and
workshops, supervised time in workshops/ studios, fieldwork,
external visits, and work-based learning.
36
GUIDED INDEPENDENT
STUDY
All students are expected to undertake guided independent study
which includes wider reading/ practice, follow-up work, the
completion of assessment tasks, and revisions.
164
PLACEMENT
The placement is a specific type of learning away from the University
that is not work-based learning or a year abroad.
0
TOTAL STUDY HOURS
Please note this must amount to 200 hours for a 20 credit module
200
Assessment tasks
Details of assessment for
this module
1 - Critical review of original texts 1,500 words (LOs 1, 2 & 3) (50%)
2 – Essay 1,500 words (LO 4) (50%)
Types of assessment task1
% weighting
1 Set exercises, which assess the application of knowledge or analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills, are included
under the type of assessment most appropriate to the particular task.
Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012
Indicative list of summative assessment tasks which lead to the award of credit or which are required for
progression.
(or indicate if
component is
pass/fail)
WRITTEN
Written exam
0
COURSEWORK
Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio, project output, set
exercise
100
PRACTICAL
Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills assessment, set exercise
0
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
Area examination board
Applied Social Science UG AEB
Refer to Faculty Office for guidance in completing the following sections
External examiners
Name
Position and institution
Date appointed
Date tenure
ends
Dr Ben Pitcher
Senior Lecturer, University of
Westminster
Oct 2011
Sept 2015
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Date of first approval
February 2013
Only complete where this is not the
first version
Date of last revision
N/A
Only complete where this is not the
first version
Date of approval for this
version
February 2013
Version number
1
Modules replaced
SS122
Specify codes of modules for which
this is a replacement
Available as free-standing module?
Module descriptor template: updated Aug 2012
Yes
No
X