Module: Introduction to Social Studies

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Social Studies
Module Code	SOC1000 (ITS: CM107)
Faculty	Communications	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module introduces students to concepts and theories from social studies and examines how they inform analyses of modern societies. In particular, the notion of the 'sociological imagination' is central to encouraging students to develop a critique of both macro and micro social phenomena. Students consider the question of 'what is sociology'?; what are its origins; its key terms and concepts and how sociological concepts, such as socialisation, social class, globalisation and gender are usefully applied to make sense of our experiences in the world.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the core concepts of the theoretical perspectives examined within the module.
2. Debate and defend a theoretically informed social analysis of a chosen topic within a seminar context.
3. Recognise the key determinants of social change.
4. Write a concise and logical seminar report.
5. Apply contrasting theoretical perspectives to social questions within a written assignment.
6. Reference assignments and seminar reports according to the Harvard System.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	25	Weekly Lecture
Seminars	12	Seminars: Attentance and Participation
Independent Study	90	Reading, Research and Writing
Assignment Completion	35	Essay
Online activity	40	Use of course-related material on Moodle
Independent Study	30	Accessing academic texts and journals
Assignment Completion	18	Seminar presentation
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	10307	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Aileen O'Driscoll	Module Teacher	Jim Rogers, Lughan Odlum Deane, Roderick Flynn

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Seminar Discussion	30%	Every Week
Essay	Academic Essay	70%	Sem 1 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

1. Sociological Perspective-Enlightenment & Founding Fathers

2. Capitalism

3. Religion and Rationality

4. Changing Social Structures-The Family

5. Globalization

6. Stratification and Social Class

7. Sex, Gender and Sexual orientation

8. Race, Ethnicity and Migration

9. Risk Society

10. Politics, Power, & Social Movements

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Giddens, Anthony: 2006, Sociology,
Hall, Stuart: 1992, Formations of Modernity,
McDonald, Bernadette: 2009, An Introduction to Sociology in Ireland, 2nd, Gill & Macmillan,

Articles:

C. Wright Mills: 1959, The Sociological Imagination,

Other Resources

None