Self and Society

Description

Most people feel that they know something about the social world in which they live. But Sociology is a distinctive way of knowing and it is this unique way of thinking and doing that we will explore in this introductory unit. We will gain a sense of the forms of thought and practice that are foundational to the discipline – the theories and methods that sociologists have developed to enable them to understand, and perhaps intervene in, the issues of their time. Approaching these histories critically will be a key objective of this introductory unit. How have the preoccupations, but also prejudices, of the sociological tradition translated into sociological theories and methods? Students will also leave with a sense of some of the pressing problems that animate sociologists today – from the impact of technology on human sociality, to the legacy of colonialism, the changing character of 'the social' and the urgent need to rethink our relationship to the environment. Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to: gain an understanding of the foundations of the discipline of Sociology; evaluate the foundations of the discipline critically and in the context of decolonisation processes; evaluate the theories encountered in the course and assess their contemporary relevance; communicate evidence-based arguments that connect theoretical insights to empirical experiences; and discuss key themes, concepts and theories with your peers.