Module Details
Module Code: |
SOCI6003 |
Title: |
Sociology and Community
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Long Title:
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Sociology and Community
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NFQ Level: |
Fundamental |
Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 ) |
Field of Study: |
3120 - Sociology
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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.
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Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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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).
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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.
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None |
Co-requisite Modules
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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.
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None |
Indicative Content |
Key Concepts
Society; Community; Culture; Institution; Role; Norms; the division of labour; social structure; social action; Giddens concept of Structuration.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Module Content & Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Coursework | 100.00% |
Assessments
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.
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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
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Recommended Book Resources |
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Scott J. and Marshall, Gordon. (2014), A Dictionary of Sociology, [ISBN: 0199533008].
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Giddens, A.. (2013), Sociology, 7th. Polity Press, UK, [ISBN: -10: 07456529].
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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Clancey, P.. (2001), Irish Society: Sociological Perspectives, reprinted 2001. IPA, Dublin.
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Collins Randals. (1994), Four Sociological Traditions, Oxford University Press, New York, [ISBN: 978-0195082081].
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Cohen A. P.. (1995), The Symbolic Construction of Community, [ISBN: 978-0415046169].
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Giddens Anthony. (1987), Sociology, a Brief but Critical Introduction, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, San Diego, [ISBN: 978-0155820012].
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Gusfield Joseph R.. (1978), Community, Harper & Row, New York, [ISBN: 978-0060906429].
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Marsh Ian with Rosie Campbell & Mike Keating. (2004), Classic and Contemporary Readings in Sociology, [ISBN: 978-0582320239].
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Putnam Robert D.. (2000), Bowling Alone, [ISBN: 978-0743203043].
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Ritzer George, Douglas J. Goodman. (2004), Classical Sociological Theory, 6th. McGraw-Hill, New York, [ISBN: 978-0072824308].
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Perry Share, Mary P. Corcoran and Brian Conway. (2012), Sociology of Ireland, 4th. Gill and Macmillan, [ISBN: 9780717149841].
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Giddens, A.. (2013), Essential Concepts in Sociology, Polity Press, [ISBN: 10:0745649866].
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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 |
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Woods, M. & S. O'Connor. (2014), Irelands's Financial Crisis: A
comparative context, Central Bank Quarterly Bulletin (4) Oct..
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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 |
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