Course Catalogue

Substantive Topics in the Sociology of Consumption SOCIO4057

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2 (Alternate Years)
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course should highlight the contested nature of modern forms of consumption and demonstrate the historically specific and ideological nature of concepts such as 'addiction' and 'risk'

Timetable

20 contact hours over the course of a single semester. This will normally consist of 2 hours per week and may be a combination of lectures and seminars/workshops.

Requirements of Entry

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Entry to Honours Sociology requires a grade point average of 12 (Grade C) over Sociology 2A and Sociology 2B as a first attempt.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

An exam (100%). 2 x 1500 words.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

The course forms part of the Department's Honours programme and its aims embody the intentions of this programme. The principle aim is to build on some of the central themes of Level 1 and 2 modules and provide students with a sound knowledge and critical understanding of the sociological study of consumption. More specifically, the module aims to:

■ highlight the contested nature of modern forms of consumption;

■ demonstrate the historically specific and ideological nature of concepts such as 'addiction' and 'risk'

■ Enable students to enhance their transferable and inter-personal skills, particularly in communication, time management, individual and group research work, and critical appraisal of consumption-related issues.

■ Enable students to develop a wide range of skills that will meet the demands of the modern labour market.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

■ recognise the contested and ideological nature of modern understandings of consumption;

■ critically assess distinctions between different forms of consumption

■ synthesise a variety of interdisciplinary approaches in a broadly sociological critique of modern consumer behaviour;

■ Understand the employment and policy implications of consumer behaviour in the broader social world beyond academia.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions