Module Details

Module Code: SOCI6002
Title: Social Analysis
Long Title: Social Analysis
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3120 - Sociology
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module aims to equip the student with basic tools of analysis. It also seeks to illuminate processes within social structures. The distinction between sociological and commonsense thinking will be used as a framework to analyse ‘problems’ such as the unequal distribution of resources and related concepts of structural inequality and social exclusion. Participants are encouraged to develop their skills to identify the structural roots of social division, to reflect on their own experience of inequality, and to identify how inequality has been addressed in their own communities.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Differentiate between sociological and ‘commonsense’ thinking
LO2 Describe the models applied to the analysis of social structures, social divisions and social processes
LO3 Discuss the structural roots of social division and inequality in Irish society
LO4 Identify the consequences of social division and inequality at an individual and community level
LO5 Apply a sociological understanding to community practice through critical inquiry, argument and analysis
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
11416 SOCI6003 Sociology and Community
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
None
 
Indicative Content
Sociological and ‘commonsense’ thinking
Linking biography and social structure; the distinction between naturalistic, individualistic and social interpretation of problems. Private matters and public issues; structure and agency.
Sociological Models
Consensus and conflict models of society; opportunity and inequality. The concept of meritocracy; the deserving and the undeserving poor; entitlement and competition.
The structural roots of social division
The ‘modernization of Irish society’; industrialization and life chances; the changing occupation structure; defining key social categories; the distribution of resources and how inequality is maintained. The role of the state and education in allocation and selection; the rise of credentialism.
The consequences of social division
Poverty, lack of access to resources, differential outcomes in education; access to power and decision making; the work of combat poverty; breaking the cycle; social interventions.
Critical enquiry, argument and analysis
Becoming a reflective practitioner; assessing data; developing a sociological lens; the role of community worker in relation to addressing poverty.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
In-class assessment (core concepts)
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 65
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Essay on selected topic
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Reflective journal linking theory to practice
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Critical engagement with course material Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Critical engagement with the course material Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Giddens, A. (2010), Sociology, 7th. Polity, Cambridge, [ISBN: 978-0745643588].
  • Mills, C W.. (2000), The Sociological Imagination, Oxford University Press, Oxford [England], [ISBN: 978-0195133738].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Allen, Kieran. (2000), The Celtic Tiger, Manchester University Press, Manchester, [ISBN: 978-0719058479].
  • Baker John. (1988), Arguing for Equality, First. Verso Books, [ISBN: 978-0860918950].
  • Bauman Zygmunt and Tim May. (2001), Thinking Sociologically, Blackwell Publishers, Malden, MA, [ISBN: 978-0631219293].
  • Breen Richard (et al.). (1990), Understanding Contemporary Ireland, St. Martin's Press, New York, [ISBN: 978-0312035570].
  • Berger Peter L.and Brigitte Berger; drawings by Robert Binks. (1976), Sociology: A Biographical Approach, Penguin, Harmondsworth, [ISBN: 978-0140809688].
  • Harvey, B.. (2004), ‘Poverty, social exclusion and the new member states’, in Action on Poverty Today, p.p2..
  • Perry Share, Mary P. Corcoran and Brian Conway. (2012), Sociology of Ireland, 4th revised. Gill & Macmillan Ltd, p.640, [ISBN: 9780717149841].
  • Brigid Reynolds and Sean Healy. (2005), Pathways to Inclusion: Policies to Ensure Economic Development, Social Equity and Sustainability, CORI Justice Commission, Republic of Ireland, [ISBN: 9781872335629].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Crowley, E. and McLaughlin, J.. (1997), Under the Belly of the Tiger: Class, Race, Identity and Culture, Irish Reporter, Dublin..
  • Harvey, B.. (2004), 'Poverty, social exclusion and the new member states’, Action on Poverty Today.
  • Sara Cantillon, Carmel Corrigan, Peader Kirby and Joan Flynn, eds. (2009), Rich and Poor: Perspectives on Tackling Inequality in Ireland, Oak Tree Press in association with the Combat Poverty Agency, Dublin.
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOED_7 Bachelor of Arts in Community Development 2 Mandatory
CR_HCOED_6 Higher Certificate in Arts in Community Development 2 Mandatory