Dr David Pinzur

This course is compulsory on the BSc in Language, Culture and Society and BSc in Sociology. This course is available on the BSc in International Relations, BSc in International Social and Public Policy, BSc in Politics, BSc in Politics and International Relations and BSc in Psychological and Behavioural Science. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.

This course has a limited number of places (it is capped). Students who have this course as a compulsory course are guaranteed a place. Places for all other students are allocated on a first come first served basis.

The course aims to introduce students to sociological theory by examining the work and ideas of normally eight key thinkers in social thought. For each thinker, the course will provide an overview of their contribution to the discipline of sociology, examine in detail one or more of their important texts, and also consider how their analysis could be applied to contemporary social issues.

This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, online materials and classes totalling a minimum of 40 hours across AT and WT, with revision sessions in ST.

Reading Weeks: Students on this course will have a reading week in AT Week 6 and WT Week 6, in line with departmental policy.

Four formative essays or their equivalent (two in AT; two in WT), for feedback from class teachers.

A detailed reading list will be available at the first lecture, but for general preparatory reading, students might wish to consult the following: D Lee & H Newby, The Problem of Sociology; Z Bauman, Thinking Sociologically; S Bruce, Sociology: A Very Short Introduction.

Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the spring exam period.

Attendance at all classes and submission of all set coursework is required.