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Module Specifications

Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Language, Culture and Society
Module Code SOC1016 (ITS: SOC5B)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Human Development
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 15
Description

This advanced level module provides a critical overview of the relationship between language, culture and society. How and what people speak can have a profound influence upon how they are viewed in the world. The module begins by outlining some of the key perspectives on language and its diversity in society before discussing key research concerning the topic. How culture is produced and re-produced in everyday life is examined, as well as some of the key dimensions that shape the contemporary world such as the nation-state, media, education system and economy.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the different theoretical sociological perspectives on language, culture and society
2. Critique the key sociological theories and concepts of power and ideology to the sociological constructs of language, culture and society
3. Evaluate the role and meaning of popular culture in language and society
4. Appraise the way in which culture is produced and re-produced through language
5. Explain how culture is produced and re-produced in everyday life
6. Assess language culture and society using the key sociological theories and concepts detailed above


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lectures/Seminars18No Description
Online activity60No Description
Independent Study297No Description
Total Workload: 375
Section Breakdown
CRN11971Part of TermSemester 1 & 2
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorLorraine DelaneyModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayEssay25%n/a
AssignmentOnline discussion and Essay25%n/a
PresentationOnline presentation20%n/a
ProjectCase study report and reflective eportfolio30%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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Storey, J. (ed.): 2015, Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader, 7th, Prentice Hall, New York,
  • Share, P., Corcoran, M.P., & Conway, B: 2012, A Sociology of Ireland, Fourth, Gill & Macmillan., Dublin,
  • Chen, K.H. and Morley, D. (eds): 2006, Stuart Hall: Critical Dialogues in Cultural Studies, Routledge,
  • Fiske, J.: 2010, Understanding Popular Culture, 2nd, Routledge,
  • Fiske, J.: 2011, Reading the Popular, Routledge,
  • McGarry, J. and O'Leary, B.: 1995, Explaining Northern Ireland: Broken Images, Wiley-Blackwell,
  • Shepherd, L. J., Hamilton, C. (Ed): 2016, Understanding Popular Culture and World Politics in the Digital Age, Routledge,
  • O'Sullivan, S. (ed): 2007, Contemporary Ireland: A Sociological Map, UCD Press, Dublin,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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