LEVEL 4
MODULE SPECIFICATION
Introduction to Sociology
Module Title:
Introduction to Sociology
Module code:
SOC412
Cost Centre:
Semester(s) in which to be offered:
Existing/New:
Level:
New
1
With effect from:
Title of module being
replaced (if any):
Social and Community
@ GU
Module duration (contact
hours / directed /
directed private study:
100
30
30
40
10
L300
September 2011
NA
Module Leader:
Status: core/option/elective
(identify programme where
appropriate):
Percentage taught by Subjects other than
originating Subject (please name other
Subjects):
Credit Value:
JACS2 code*:
GASY
Originating Academic area:
Programme(s) in which to be
offered:
BA Hons Public and Social
Policy
4
Melanie Edwards
Core
None
Pre-requisites per programme
(between levels):
Co-requisites per programme
(within a level):
None
None
Module Aims:

To understand the aims of sociology as a discipline.

To recognise and explore the nature and role of culture in social life and in relation to social
behaviour and social identity.

To explore the main theoretical approaches to sociological understanding.

To explore the link between sociology and social policy.
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. Explain the nature of sociological thought.
2. Identify and evaluate the agencies of socialisation and evaluate the influence of socialisation and
culture on making us human.
3. Explain and evaluate the main perspectives in sociology: Marxism, Functionalism, Interactionism,
Feminism and Postmodernism.
4. Apply sociological theory to a critical understanding of its influence on social policy in Britain.
Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes:

Research & Study Skills

Critical thinking skills

Communication Skills

Reflection on Learning.
Indicative Assessment Task
Assessment 1: Essay: Students are required to submit an essay demonstrating a critical understanding
of one of the sociological perspectives in relation to one particular area of current social policy (for
example education, health, welfare).
Assessment
1
Learning
Outcomes to
be met
1, 2, 3, 4
Type of assessment
Weighting
Essay
100%
Duration
(if exam)
Word count or
equivalent if
appropriate
2,000
Learning and Teaching Strategies
The module will use a variety of teaching and learning, including lectures, mini lectures, group work,
discussion, seminars, DVDs and ICT.
Syllabus Outline
The module introduces the subject matter of sociology and provides students with knowledge of
alternative theories and perspectives in Sociology.
The module will also include analysis of current social policy from a sociological perspective.
Topics will include:

An introduction to Sociology - definition, key principles, key concepts.

An introduction to sociological theories of:
o Structural Functionalism
o Structural Marxism
o Symbolic Interactionism
o Feminism: a brief introduction as we will return to this at Level 5 & 6
o Post Modernism: a brief introduction as we will return to this at Level 5 & 6

The relationship between Sociology and social policy.
Bibliography
Essential reading:

Cuff, E.C., Sharrock, W.W. and Francis D.W., (2006) Perspectives in Sociology (5th Edition)
London: Routledge.
Other indicative reading:

Abbott, P. and Wallace, C. (2005) An Introduction to Sociology: Feminist Perspectives. (3rd
Edition) London: Routledge.

Abercrombie, N., Hill, S., and Turner, B. (2009) The Penguin Dictionary of Sociology. London:
Penguin Books.

Calhoun, C, Gerteis, J., Pfaff,S., & Virk, I. (eds) (2007) Classical Sociological Theory (Blackwell
Readers in Sociology). Oxford: Blackwell.

Calhoun, C., Rojek, C. and Turner, B. (2005) The SAGE Handbook of sociology. London: Sage.

Giddens, A. (2009) Sociology. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Hughes, J. & Sharrock, W. (2007) Theory and Methods in Sociology: An Introduction to
Sociological Thinking and Practice. Basingstoke; Palgrave MacMillan.

Taylor, P. (2007) Sociology in Focus. London: CPL Press.