Module Details

Module Code: SOCI6003
Title: Sociology and Community
Long Title: Sociology and Community
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: The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the diversity of perspectives within Sociology (including a focus on research methods). Sociology is the systematic study of social life. The history of sociology will be outlined alongside an exploration of social inquiry (within the particular context of community work). The student is introduced to key sociological theorists such as Durkheim, Marx, and Weber in an exploration of specific questions such as: What is society? What is culture? How is social order possible? What role do institutions play in society? How does social change occur? What is the nature of the relationship between the individual and society? Specific focus is placed on ‘community’ as a form of social organisation and association. The relationship of community to current debates on social capital and social cohesion is also critically explored.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify and explain key sociological concepts.
LO2 Outline the history of social thinking and identify the contribution of the ‘classical’ social theorists to our understanding of society.
LO3 Identify the types of sociological theorizing evident in Irish society and make preliminary distinctions between the different theoretical perspectives.
LO4 Describe 'community' as a contested concept and explain its use within the context of social capital and cohesion.
LO5 Describe the relevance of an understanding of the 'social' for effective community practice.
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
Key Concepts
Society; Community; Culture; Institution; Role; Norms; the division of labour; social structure; social action; Giddens concept of Structuration.
The History of Social Thinking
Capitalism, Industrialism and Rationalism. The industrial, French and American revolutions; secular, political and industrial change; the emergence of the ‘social’; Comte; Durkheim, Weber and Marx.
Theoretical Perspectives and Sociology as a Science
Durkheim’s study on Suicide; Weber and the role of ideas in history; the Protestant work ethic; Marx and the merits of economic determinism; traditions in Irish social theory; anthropology; Catholic social theory; sociology and social policy; the work of the Economic Social and Research Institute. Emancipatory approaches.
Community, Social Capital and Social Cohesion
Tönnies on Community (Gemeinschaft and Gesellschaft); Durkheim and mechanical and organic solidarity; the role of the collective conscience. Puttman on social capital; community as ideology; Cohen, community as a symbolic construct.
Community Practitioners and Praxis
Describe the relevance of an understanding of ‘the social’ for effective community practice. Community practitioners and praxis; developing a theoretically informed practice; challenging own assumptions; identifying place in the social structure.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
In class test (core concepts)
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 65
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4
Assessment Description
Critical engagement with a select topic
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Journal of reflection 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 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Critical engagement with course material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/workshop Every Week 4.00 4
Independent Learning Non Contact Critical engagement with the course material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Scott J. and Marshall, Gordon. (2014), A Dictionary of Sociology, [ISBN: 0199533008].
  • Giddens, A.. (2013), Sociology, 7th. Polity Press, UK, [ISBN: -10: 07456529].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Clancey, P.. (2001), Irish Society: Sociological Perspectives, reprinted 2001. IPA, Dublin.
  • Collins Randals. (1994), Four Sociological Traditions, Oxford University Press, New York, [ISBN: 978-0195082081].
  • Cohen A. P.. (1995), The Symbolic Construction of Community, [ISBN: 978-0415046169].
  • Giddens Anthony. (1987), Sociology, a Brief but Critical Introduction, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, San Diego, [ISBN: 978-0155820012].
  • Gusfield Joseph R.. (1978), Community, Harper & Row, New York, [ISBN: 978-0060906429].
  • Marsh Ian with Rosie Campbell & Mike Keating. (2004), Classic and Contemporary Readings in Sociology, [ISBN: 978-0582320239].
  • Putnam Robert D.. (2000), Bowling Alone, [ISBN: 978-0743203043].
  • Ritzer George, Douglas J. Goodman. (2004), Classical Sociological Theory, 6th. McGraw-Hill, New York, [ISBN: 978-0072824308].
  • Perry Share, Mary P. Corcoran and Brian Conway. (2012), Sociology of Ireland, 4th. Gill and Macmillan, [ISBN: 9780717149841].
  • Giddens, A.. (2013), Essential Concepts in Sociology, Polity Press, [ISBN: 10:0745649866].
  • M. Murphy, P. Kirby. (2008), A Better Ireland is Possible: Towards an alternative vision for Ireland, Community Platform, http://communityplatform.ie/uploads/A%20Better%20Ireland%20-%20pdf.pdf.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Woods, M. & S. O'Connor. (2014), Irelands's Financial Crisis: A comparative context, Central Bank Quarterly Bulletin (4) Oct..
  • Corcoran, M. P.. (2009), "Mapping social change in twenty-first century Ireland: a view from the city and the suburb", Glucksman Ireland House. New York University, 23 October..
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 1 Mandatory
CR_HCOED_6 Higher Certificate in Arts in Community Development 1 Mandatory