Module Details

Module Code: SOCI8006
Title: Sociology and Social Change
Long Title: Sociology and Social Change
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3120 - Sociology
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: In this module, the student is introduced to the main sociological theories of social change and to the current debates on globalisation. The impact of globalisation on conventional forms of solidarity in local communities is explored and the implication for community work practice is looked at. Students are introduced to the varying interpretations of the Celtic tiger phenomenon, to the development policies which informed its emergence and to the factors that contributed to its demise. Contesting definitions of ‘development’ are explored, thus allowing the student to reflect on the ‘development’ principles that inform their community work practice.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critically evaluate the main sociological theories of social change.
LO2 Analyse the main sociological theories of globalization and identify aspects of global change within their own community.
LO3 Evaluate the literature on new social movement theory and identify the frameworks which inform the changing nature of collective mobilization nationally and locally.
LO4 Analyse the contesting definitions of what constitutes ‘development’.
LO5 Reflect on and critically assess how the practitioner can apply ‘development’ principles in their community work 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).
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.
No incompatible modules listed
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.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Theories
An examination of modernisation theory, dependency theory and world-systems theory for understanding social change; identifying significant periods of change in Irish society; understanding the ‘Celtic Tiger’ phenomenon; identifying factors that contribute to recession.
Globalisation
The debates on globalisation; defining globalisation; positive and negative aspects of globalisation; the sceptics and hyper-globalists; identifying the global in the local.
Society and Social Movements
Examine collective identity in a global context; old social movements and industrial societies; class based solidarities and multi-class based solidarities; new social movements and the material base; ecological movement; environment movement; anti–globalisation protests; local mobilisation and issue based movements.
Development
Understanding ‘development’ and ‘measuring’ development; the European barometer; quality of life issues; the concept of dependent development.
Success in Commmunity Work
What makes for ‘successful’ community work? Designing interventions; following emancipatory principles; the ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ matrix.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
In-Class test - demonstrating a critical understanding of core concepts
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 65
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Comprehension and critical engagement with course literature
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 15
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Reflection 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 Application of learning in a community context 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 Application of the learning in a community context 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
  • David Held and Anthony McGrew. (2003), The Global Transformations Reader, 2nd. Policy Press, Bristol, [ISBN: 978-0745631356].
  • O'Doherty, Colm. (2012), Community Development in Ireland, Gill and Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717149742].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Kirby, P.. (2002), The Celtic Tiger in Distress: Growth with Inequality In Ireland, Palgrave, London, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0333964357/ISBN-13: 978-0333964354].
  • Kirby, P. & Cantillon, S. (2001), Rich and Poor: Perspectives on Tackling Inequality in Ireland, Oaktree Press, Dublin, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 1860762115/ISBN-13: 978-1860762116].
  • Mahue L. (ed). (2010), Social Movements and Social Classes, Sage, London, [ISBN: 10: 0803979525/ISBN-13: 978-0803979529].
  • O’Hearn, D.. (1992), Inside the Celtic Tiger: The Irish Economy and the Asian Model, Ch. "Putting Ireland in a global context." Occasional Papers Series 8, Pluto, London, [ISBN: 10: 0745312837/ISBN-13: 978-0745312835].
  • Porta, D. & Diani, M.. (1999), Social Movements: an Introduction, Blackwell, Oxford, [ISBN: 10: 0631192131/ISBN-13: 978-0631192138].
  • Ritzer, G.. (2004), The McDonaldization of Society, Pine-Forge Press, [ISBN: 10: 0761988122/ISBN-13: 978-0761988120].
  • United Nations Development Programme. (2003), Human Development Report, Oxford University Press, Oxford, [ISBN: 10: 0230547044/ISBN-13: 978-0230547049].
  • Brigid Reynolds, Sean Healy. (2005), Pathways to Inclusion: Policies to Ensure Economic Development, Social Equity and Sustainability, CORI Justice Commission, Dublin, [ISBN: 9781872335629].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • 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.
  • O'Callaghan, C., Corcoran, M.P. and Fuller, W.. (2009), Sustaining Communities: Setting the Agenda, GeoJournal: an International Journal of Geography - Special Edition on Sustaining Communities.
  • MacLaughlin, E. & J. Crowley (eds). (1997), Under the Belly of the Tiger. Ireland in a Global Economy: an End to a Distinct Nation?, Irish Reporter Publications, Dublin.
  • Rourke, S.. (1991), Community Development within Local Development: A Dialogue, ADM, Dublin.
  • Woods, M. & S. O'Connor. (2012), Ireland's Financial Crisis: A Comparative Context, Central Bank. Quarterly Bulletin (04) Oct.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Corcoran, M.P. & P. Share. (2008), "Introduction" to: Belonging: Shaping Identity in Modern Ireland, Sociological Chronicles Vol. 6. Dublin: Institute of Public Administration.
  • Mullan, C. and Cox, L.. (2000), Social movements never died: community politics and the social economy in the Irish Republic, ISA-BSA Conference "Are Social Movements Reviving?", Manchester Metropolitan University,
    http://www.iol.ie/~mazzoldi/toolsforchan ge/afpp/isa.htm
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOED_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Development 7 Mandatory