SS5066 - Self and Society (2023/24)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2023/24 | ||||||||||
| Module title | Self and Society | ||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2023/24(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module introduces students to some of the key sociological approaches used to explore and explain the sociological notion of ‘self’. This will involve an examination of a range of major 20th century sociological thinkers on the nature of the social construction of self – eg. Mead, Goffman – and it’s constrains – e.g. Marx and Parsons. The intention is to use some of the major sociological theorists and apply their insights into current concerns with the ‘project’ of self and identity. That is, to examine how much choice we have in becoming who we are.
Prior learning requirements
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
Agency vs. Structure – Micro/Macro debate
• Origins of the Debate
• From American pragmatism to G. H. Mead
• Symbolic Interactionism
• Erving Goffman and Dramaturgy
• Structural Functionalism: Parsons and Merton
• Conflict Theory
• Identity: Acquired or Ascribed
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Teaching will comprise weekly lectures followed by exercises and reflexive discussion in seminars. Teaching will be informed by research and scholarly activities of the tutors.
Learning: Learning will be supported by the Weblearn site for the module which will include all the teaching materials and guidance for assessment.
The students will be encouraged to engage with contemporary issues and follow the current debates in the media. This will be supported by Weblearn-based materials and forums.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Distinguish and evaluate a number of sociological traditions in terms of the different conceptions of the relationship between social structure and the individual.
2. Identify and critically apply the key sociological concepts used to explain the relationship between the individual and society.
3. Debate the strengths and weaknesses of the various sociological conceptions of the ‘self’.
Assessment strategy
Formative: do a 500 words review of a set text (an article or a chapter), outlining the key ideas of the author and your critical reflections.
Summative (100%): You will be offered alternative assessments a) You will be asked to create a photo essay, where you will take between three and five photos related to the presentation of self in everyday life, and construct a 1500 words narrative describing the photos and linking them to micro- and macro- perspectives on self and society. b) You may choose to produce a 30 minute podcast where you will answer one of the set questions related to the key sociological arguments discussed in the module.