Contemporary Issues in Social Theory (SY0004)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-3-SYCIST

This course will always involve theorizing various problems and issues that seem to be of contemporary significance. In 2002-2003 the focus will be on theorizing the idea of community. Postmodern theorists such as Lyotard and Nancy will be discussed from the perspective of their interest in this topic. We will also attempt to develop the significance for this current issue of various major traditions of social thought, both classic and contemporary. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on using previous and current theorists in order to advance our own theoretical development of the topic in question rather than just being content to produce exegetical descriptions of others' work.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Sociology, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
20/09/2007	11:10	13:00	Room G17, Adam Ferguson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Thursday	11:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

1. That students learn to appreciate the difference between theory and common sense.

2. That students learn how the activity of theorizing can be applied to specific contemporary issues.

3. That students actually begin to practice or do theorizing.

4. That students see how theorizing can lead to discoveries or results with regard to substantive issues.

5. That students gain knowledge of the work of some specific contemporary theorists in terms of its relevance to the issues we focus on.

6. That students gain an appreciation of the potential for social critique offered by some forms of theorizing.