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Level 1 Course Outline 2009-10
SOCIOLOGY 1B: Critical Research in Contemporary Societies
Semester 2, 20 Credits, Course Code LTBU
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS:
The aims of this module are:
• To develop understanding of sociology as a major academic discipline within the social sciences, focusing on the theme of Critical Research in Contemporary Societies.
• To introduce students to some of the major sociological research and theories concerning the nature of contemporary societies, social change and social institutions in Scotland and the United Kingdom, in comparative and global perspectives.
• To provide students with skills for learning in sociology.
The course provides an introduction to sociology, and also covers thematic areas in contemporary sociology. Hence it can be taken by students who have not taken Sociology and Anthropology 1A (code LTCU) in semester one, but students who have studied that course will be able to extend their understandings, and cover new themes. The first section discusses what is distinctive in sociological approaches. Sections will then explore two dynamic thematic areas, Media and Crime and Control, drawing on the expertise and primary empirical research of staff in two internationally recognised research centres: the Glasgow University Media Unit (http://www.gla.ac.uk/centres/mediagroup/) and the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (http://www.sccjr.ac.uk/). The course thus introduces elements of media studies and criminology in relation to sociology. We examine relations between production, content and reception of media texts, for example looking at coverage of conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians; and analyse the definitions, causes and consequences of crime, for example by looking at gender and violence in Scotland or the international drugs trade. The course will introduce students to empirical social research, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and debates over ethics and power relations in social research. Students will do a first piece of primary qualitative research themselves, presenting this in groups as a ‘formative’ assessment which does not count towards the final mark – an enjoyable way to begin learning these skills in a supportive environment. The course is therefore a good choice for anyone interested in social research.
INTRODUCTORY READING:
James Fulcher and John Scott (2007) Sociology, third edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press). Chapter 1 ‘Thinking Sociologically: Theories and Methods’; Chapter 10 ‘Communications and the Media’ and Chapter 7 ‘Crime and Deviance’
Bauman, Zygmunt and Tim May (2001) Thinking Sociologically (Oxford: Blackwell)
Philo, G. and Berry, M. (2004) Bad News From Israel (London: Pluto Press)
Philo, G. (ed.)(1995) Glasgow Media Group Reader Vol.II (London: Routledge)
Muncie, J. and Mclaughlin, E. (eds.)(2001) The Problem of Crime, second edition (London: Sage).
INFORMATION AND MOODLE:
Information about the course, including notices regarding any urgent matters, will be posted on the on-line learning environment Moodle. Hard copies of notices will also be posted on the course notice board, which is opposite the lift on Level 4 of the Adam Smith Building. The online address for Moodle is: http://moodle2.gla.ac.uk/moodle/.
To log on to the course Moodle site you will need your personal password and an ‘enrolment key’, which will be provided at enrolment. All course information, reading lists, essay topics etc will be in the course guide, which will become available online. If you are given a place on the course (guaranteed to level 1 LBSS and Arts faculty students), please read and print off the full course guide when it is made available and make sure you understand important information in it. Please check Moodle frequently during the early days of the course, and on a regular basis thereafter.
KEY CONTACTS:
The course coordinator is to be confirmed in due course.
The course administrators are Olive Bredin (Wed-Fri) O.Bredin@lbss.gla.ac.uk and Lesley Scott (Mon-Tues) Lesley.scott@lbss.gla.ac.uk, if your e-mail enquiry is urgent please copy your message to both e-mail addresses. The administrators are based in Room S412, Adam Smith Building. Room S412 is where you will sign in your essays, and where you can make general enquiries about the course. Please note that the office is open between 09:00 and 17:00 and the office telephone number is 0141 330 2556. You can also contact members of the teaching team, and other students, through Moodle or via the level 1 office.
ENROLMENT, LECTURES & SEMINARS:
Enrolment for the course is on Thursday 17th of September, 12 noon till 12.50pm in the Joseph Black Building, B419.
Lectures are on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 12.00-12.50pm in the Joseph Black Building, Main Lecture Theatre B419.
Information about seminar groups, times, tutors and locations of meetings will be put on the Moodle site in due course.
COURSE WORK REQUIREMENTS:
It is important that you attend the lectures and seminars that make up the course. Aside from regular attendance there are a number of pieces of assessment which you are required to complete. You will be expected to complete a formative assessment in mid-semester which will involve both independent study and group work by students outside seminars, and each student will participate in making a scheduled oral presentation to their seminar group. Tutors will provide marks and feedback, but the marks do not count towards your final grade. Assessments which count towards the final grade are as follows:
1. Coursework Essay. You are required to write one essay which must be submitted by a deadline at the end of the semester, which will be formally marked. The mark will constitute half of your overall grade.
2. Exam. You are required to sit a 90 minute unseen exam in April/May, during which you will answer two questions. The marks from the exam make up the other 50% of your overall grade. You will not be able to sit the exam unless you have submitted the coursework essay.
LATE SUBMISSION OF COURSEWORK:
Essays submitted after the deadline will lose marks. If there are exceptional circumstances explaining the late submission you may appeal against penalties by writing to the co-ordinator and/or providing medical evidence (a doctors note).
AND FINALLY…
Sociology 1B: Critical Research in Contemporary Societies is a course that offers you a wide-ranging experience of contemporary sociology, covering dynamic fields of enquiry. The teaching team hope that you will join us and enjoy the course.