module specification

SS5067 - Sociology of Everyday Life (2019/20)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2019/20
Module title Sociology of Everyday Life
Module level Intermediate (05)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences
Total study hours 150
 
120 hours Guided independent study
30 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 20%   Portfolio: three short descriptions of everyday
Coursework 80%   Essay 2000 words
Running in 2019/20

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Friday Morning

Module summary

To introduce students to sociological understanding and methodology of observing and explaining the everyday life: its routines, rhythms and those aspects of social life that we consider familiar and known.

Syllabus

• Understanding everyday life LO1-3
• Theorising the Everyday
• Method of observing the everyday
• Rituals and routines
• Home
• Emotions: Embarrassment and Shame
• Romance
• Eating and Drinking
• Pets
• Digital and mobile lives
• Street

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The module integrates face-to-face with online learning. Weekly lectures followed by exercises and reflexive discussion in seminars, based on data and key texts. Learning is supported by the WebLearn site for the module which includes lecture notes, seminar exercises, academic and newspaper articles as well as links to relevant web sites.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the main theoretical approaches in the sociology of everyday life.
2. Identify and analyse the social rules, routines and the familiar that shape interaction in a particular context.
3. Demonstrate ability to apply the method of observing one of the aspects of the everyday covered in this module.

Assessment strategy

1. Portfolio: three short observations of everyday - due in week 10, maximum 400 words each;
2. Essay 2000 words on an aspect of everyday life- due week 14.

Bibliography

Bennet, T. & Watson, D. (eds) (2002) Understanding Everyday Life. Blackwell. (301.01 UND)
Jacobsen, M. H. (Ed.)(2009) Encountering the Everyday. Pelgrave Macmillan. (302 ENC)
Roberts, B. (2006) Micro Sociological Theory. Pelgrave Macmillan.
Scott, S. (2009) Making Sense of Everyday Life. Oxford: Polity Press.
Shove, E.; Trentmann, F & Wilk, R. R. (2009) Time, consumption and everyday life: practice, materiality and culture. Berg. (e-source)