Module: What is Sociology?

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	What is Sociology?
Module Code	SOC1001 (ITS: SC100)
Faculty	Human Development	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

This module introduces the discipline of sociology, through the concept of the ‘sociological imagination’. It explores key aspects of sociological thought; the emergence and development of the discipline; key theorists and methods. It applies these approaches to the analysis of selected aspects of Irish society, including: development; power and class; education; identity and culture; media and consumption. It concludes with an examination of future development and challenges for the discipline.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply a ‘sociological imagination’ to the social world
2. Outline key sociological theories and methods
3. Account for the development of sociological thought
4. Complete a small piece of sociologically-oriented research
5. Identify and discuss key ethical issues in sociology
6. Apply sociological analysis to selected aspects of Irish society
7. Reflect on their own potential as sociologists

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	18	Online tutorials
Online activity	60	Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through discussion forums and other media
Independent Study	297	Using self-directed learning module learning materials, textbooks and other resources
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	11754	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Lorraine Delaney	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Study skills task	20%	n/a
Assignment	Information gathering task	25%	n/a
Assignment	Writing task	25%	n/a
Essay	Essay	30%	n/a

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	l,
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

Part 1
Thinking sociologically,

The changing social world,

Introducing social theory: the key thinkers, study skills

Part 2
The practice of sociology,

Creating sociological knowledge,

Public sociology and sociological research methods, study skills

Part 3
Irish society: continuity and change, Power and class, Gender and sexuality, study skills

Education

Part 4
Sociology and Irish society: culture and everyday life, Identities and culture, Media and information technologies, Work, consumption and everyday life, Sociology and the future, study skills

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Plummer, K.: 2016, Sociology: The basics, 2nd, Routledge, London, 978113892745
Share, P., Corcoran, M.P., & Conway, B.: 2012, A Sociology of Ireland, 4th, Gill & MacMillan, Dublin, 978071714984
Michele Dillon: 2019, Introduction to Sociological Theory, John Wiley & Sons, 586, 9781118471920

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None