Module overview
The module will look at key social transformations in the modern world and the way in which these have been analysed by social scientists.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Essay writing skills
- Identify the key sociological concepts of social change
- Reflect on your own experiences as well as media reports of social, political and economic change, travel and migration, globalisation, risk and travel in an theoretically and empirically informed way.
- Synthesise the major transformations of ‘modernity’
- Critical thinking skills
- Review everyday social processes using a range of theoretical accounts
Syllabus
The modern world is marked by constant and rapid social change. For some, these transformations indicate a runaway world spinning beyond our control. But how did this state of affairs come about? And how can we understand it? This unit looks at the emergence of ‘modern’ society and provides key concepts to understand the continuing social transformations of modernity. Looking at topics such as the tyranny of ‘experts’, the modern city, fashion, and global tourism, the unit examines the key processes of modernisation and how these have shaped the everyday lives of individuals. By examining the rise (and fall) of mass urban, industrial society, the unit shows how consumption and culture, space and nature, and individual self-identity have all been transformed by modernity. Attention is given to class, gender, race and ethnicity.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
two hour lecture on a weekly basis; one hour seminar every other week
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 21 |
| Independent Study | 129 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Stuart Hall & Bram Gieben (1992). Formations of Modernity. Polity/Open University.
Robin Cohen & Paul Kennedy (2007). Global Sociology. Palgrave.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
You will be assessed by a 45 minutes online multiple answers test (30%) and a 1500-word essay (70%). The multiple-answers test assesses the understanding of the key sociological concepts of social change and the major transformations of ‘modernity’. The essay assesses the ability to apply theoretical concepts of social change - for example ‘modernity’ or ‘globalization’.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Multiple choice Test | 30% |
| Essay | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Exam | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External