SO110
Power, Inequality, and Difference: Contemporary Themes in Sociology
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Professor Fran Tonkiss STC.S205
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Language, Culture and Society and BSc in Sociology. This course is available on the BA in Geography, BA in Social Anthropology, BSc in Politics, BSc in Politics and International Relations and BSc in Social Anthropology. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.
Course content
The course provides an introduction to key areas of theory and analysis in contemporary sociology. Students will gain an understanding of critical research and debates within the discipline, and of how sociology engages with topical real-world issues. The course centres on the ways in which power relations, social and economic inequalities, forms of identity and difference are shaped in contemporary societies – focusing on both formal political and socio-economic structures and everyday experiences and identities. These issues include: class, capitals and social mobility; race, ethnicity and multi-culturalism; gender and sexual identities; politics, social movements and the nation-state.
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, online materials and classes totalling a minimum of 40 hours across MT and LT, with revision sessions in ST.
Reading Weeks: Students on this course will have a reading week in MT Week 6 and LT Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
Two formative essays in MT, one formative essay in LT.
Indicative reading
M. Savage (2015) Social Class in the 21st Century; B. Skeggs (1997) Formations of Class and Gender; L Back and J Solomos (Eds) (2000) Theories of Race and Racism: A Reader; A Gutmann (Ed) (1994) Multiculturalism: Examining the Politics of Recognition; S Jackson & S Scott (Eds) (2002) Gender: A Sociological Reader; K Woodward (Ed) (2004) Questioning Identity: Gender, Class and Ethnicity; G Bhattacharyya (2002) Sexuality and Society; D Bell and J Binnie (2000) The Sexual Citizen: Queer Politics and Beyond; B Anderson (1983) Imagined Communities; E Gellner (1983) Nations and Nationalism; M. Flinders (2012) Defending Politics: Why Democracy Matters in the Twenty-First Century.
Assessment
Exam (70%, duration: 3 hours) in the summer exam period.
Essay (30%, 3000 words) in the ST.
An electronic copy of the assessed essay, to be uploaded to Moodle, no later than 4.00pm on the first Tuesday of Summer Term.
Attendance at all classes is required and submission of all set coursework is compulsory.
Student performance results
(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| First | 16.8 |
| 2:1 | 69.5 |
| 2:2 | 11.1 |
| Third | 0.4 |
| Fail | 2.2 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Total students 2019/20: 87
Average class size 2019/20: 18
Capped 2019/20: No
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Communication
