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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 15
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Tutorial18Online distance education tutorials
Online activity60Student-Tutor and Student-Student interaction through discussion forums and other media
Independent Study297Using self-directed learning module learning materials, textbooks and other resources
Total Workload: 375

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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • 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, 9781118471920
Other Resources

None
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