s
Title
Code
Level
Credit Rating
Prerequisites
Type
Aims
Sociological Imaginations
SS107
4
20
None
Extensive over one semester
 To provide students with an introduction to the discipline of
sociology, its principal theories, topics and methodology.
 To introduce students to sociological thinking and analysis.
Learning outcomes /
objectives
On successful completion of the module the student will:
1. Understand what sociology is as a discipline, and what comprises its
main theories and methods
2. Appreciate the role of sociology in understanding contemporary
culture.
3. Apply sociological theories and concepts to contemporary social issues
The module has two components. It introduces students to key debates
within sociological theory covering methodological and theoretical issues
(e.g. structure versus agency, conflict versus consensus). It also
introduces students to various topics within sociology reflecting staff
research interests (e.g. cosmetic surgery, 'race', the internet).
200 hours study time delivered through 36 hours direct teaching and 164
hours directed private study.
Short readings for each week’s Key Sociological Debate are provided to
students in addition to reading lists for both components of the module.
Content - Indicative
Teaching and learning
strategies
Learning support/
indicative reading list
Indicative short readings:
 Macionis, J. & Plummer, K. (2005) Sociology: A Global Introduction,
3rd Ed, Pearson: London, p29.
 Giddens, A. (1999) Runaway World, London, Profile, Introduction.
 Ritzer, G. (1996) ‘The McDonaldization Thesis: Is expansion
inevitable?’ International Sociology 11. pp: 293-296.
 Entwistle, J. (1998) Sex/Gender in Core sociological dichotomies
edited by Chris Jenks. Sage: pp 151-153
 Dickens, P (2004) Society and Nature. Polity, Cambridge. p. 46-50.
 O’Byrne, D. (2011) Introducing Sociological Theory, Harlow, Pearson,
p185-88.
 Crompton, R. (2008) Class and Stratification (3rd edn), Cambridge:
Polity Press. (pp. 8–16, 49–70, 118–126).
 Beck, U. & Beck-Gernsheim, E. (2002) Individualization, London:
Sage, Chapter 2
Student central is used to provide weekly notes on lectures and seminars.
Students are discouraged from relying on any one textbook, but a range
of introductory books are noted in the module handbook.
Assessment
Brief description of
module and/or aims
Area examination
boards
Module team/authors
Semester Offered
Site where delivered
Date first approved
Suitable journals include Sociological Research Online, Sociology and
Sociological Review
1. 1,500 word essay: Assesses learning outcome 1. 40%
2. Examination. Assesses learning outcomes 2 and 3. 60%
This module gives students an opportunity to learn about the main
parameters of contemporary sociology and to apply sociological theories
and concepts to the contemporary social world.
SASS Undergraduate
James Ormrod (Module Coordinator), Neil Curry, Steve Brown, Chris
Wyatt, Graham Sharp, Mark Erickson, Jayne Raisborough, Mark Bhatti,
Natalie Pitimson, Kanwal Mand
1
Falmer and Hastings
1998
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this
version
Version number
Replacement for
previous module
Field for which module
is acceptable and status
in that field
Course(s) for which
module is acceptable
and status in course
2011
2012
School home
External Examiner
School of Applied Social Science
Dr Ben Pitcher (Oct 2011 to Sept 2015)
Allocation of
study hours to
activities
10 credits = 100 learning
hours
5
Compulsory:
BA (Hons) Applied Social Science
BA (Hons) Social Science
BA (Hons) Sociology and Social Policy
BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
BA (Hons) Applied Psychology and Sociology
BA (Hons) Politics and Sociology
BA (Hons) Media Studies and Sociology
BA (Hons) Sociology and English Literature
BA (Hons) Sociology and Community History
BA (Hons) Education and Sociology
Activity
Study hours
%
36
18
164
82
SCHEDULED
Lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision,
demonstrations, practical classes and workshops,
supervised time in workshop/ studio, fieldwork, external
visits, work-based learning
GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent study including wider reading/ practice,
follow-up work, completion of assessment tasks, revision
etc
PLACEMENT
Learning away from the University that is not a year
abroad or work-based learning
Assessment tasks
Activity
Further details
%
Type of
assessment tasks
WRITTEN
Exam
40
1500 word essay
60
Summative assessment
tasks which lead to the
award of credit or which
are required for
progression (expressed
as a %)
Written exam
COURSEWORK
Written assignment/ essay, report, dissertation, portfolio,
project output
PRACTICAL
Oral assessment and presentation, practical skills
assessment
OTHER
Set exercises assessing application of knowledge,
analytical, problem-solving or evaluative skills