Module: Sociology of the Lifecourse

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Sociology of the Lifecourse
Module Code	SOC1002 (ITS: SC200)
Faculty	Human Development	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	15

Description

This intermediate module explores key sociological themes in relation to the lifecourse. It begins by examining the sociology of generations, sociological perspectives on childhood, midlife and ageing. The module focuses on a number of applied case studies such as cyberbullying, the global cruise industry and social robotics and social care. Finally, the module considers researching children.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify key sociological perspectives on the lifecourse and relate these to relevant psychological perspectives
2. Demonstrate a knowledge of key sociological research on the lifecourse
3. Identify and critically assess major sources of social science data in relation to the lifecourse
4. Critically assess historical and sociological perspectives on childhood, midlife and ageing
5. Demonstrate a knowledge of social constructionist approaches to key aspects of the lifecourse
6. Critically assess the relationship between digital technologies and the lifecourse
7. Reflect on personal experience of the lifecourse and bring the outcome of such reflection into informed debate with peers

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	18	Face to face and online tutorials
Online activity	60	Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through Loop based discussion forums and other media.
Independent Study	297	Using self-directed online learning resources, textbooks and mulitmedia artefacts
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	11755	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	Documentary Based Project	20%	n/a
Completion of online activity	Online Group Discussion	20%	n/a
Assignment	Annotated bibliography	20%	n/a
Essay	Essay	40%	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	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

Part 1 introduction/overview
a) the life course approach in sociology b) The sociology of ‘generations’ c) Key sociological themes and theories in relation to the lifecourse d) Constructing knowledge of the lifecourse: sources of data

Part 2 Childhood
a) The construction of childhood through time - socio-historical perspectives b) The sociology of children and childhood c) Researching children: where is the child? d) Children’s rights e) Children’s cultural worlds

Part 3 Midlife
a) Demographic change and the shifting territory of ‘mid-life’ b) Construction of the ‘mid-life crisis’ c) Work, leisure and midlife d) Social, psychological and medical perspectives on the menopause e) Midlife and digital technologies

Part 4 Ageing
a) Demographic patterns: the ‘ageing timebomb’ in global perspective b) Ageing and inequality: intersectional issues c) Ageing and care d) Ageing and technology e) Endlife: the sociology of death and dying

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Gray, J., R. Geraghty & D. Ralph: 2016, Family rhythms: The changing textures of family life in Ireland, Manchester University Press, Manchester,
Hunt, S: 2017, The life course: A sociological introduction, Palgrave MacMillan, London,
Chambers, D: 2012, A sociology of family life: Change and diversity in intimate relations., Polity, Cambridge,
Connolly, L.: 2015, The â€˜Irishâ€™ family, Routledge, London,
Green, L.: 0, Understanding the life course: Sociological and psychological perspectives., Polity, Cambridge,
May, V.: 2011, Sociology of personal life, Palgrave MacMillan, London,
Shanahan, M., J. Mortimer & M. Kirkpatrick Johnson (eds): 2016, Handbook of the lifecourse, Springer,
Smith, C. & S. Greene: 2014, Key thinkers in childhood studies, Polity, Bristol,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None