Undergraduate Course: Introduction to Social Theory (EDUA08040)
Course Outline
| School |
Moray House School of Education |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Not available to visiting students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 08 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
20 |
| Home subject area |
Education |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None |
|
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| Course description |
It is intended that this half course will introduce students to a range of social science disciplines, specifically the disciplines of sociology, psychology, politics and, in so doing, seek to demonstrate the contested nature of social scientific theories and core concepts. A primary intention is to illuminate the ways in which particular disciplines interpret aspects of the social world, to problematise such interpretation and thus seek to enhance understanding. It will be contended that theoretical analysis relating to the area of social existence will serve as a useful basis for further study and, ultimately, for the field of practice. Crucially, identification and utilisation of contemporary social issues affecting individuals and communities will form the basis of the focus with different theoretical positions being applied to a given issue. In this way course participants will begin to appreciate the utility of theory to their own construction and understanding of the social world. |
Entry Requirements
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites |
|
| Prohibited Combinations |
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Other requirements |
None
|
| Additional Costs |
Purchase of course reader |
Course Delivery Information
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
- Understand relationships between the individual, community, state and society at the national and global level;
- identify and distinguish between a range of social theories which seek to enhance understanding of human behaviour;
- develop awareness of the contested nature of social theory and of the disciplines from which such theories derive;
- demonstrate an understanding of the desirability of adopting multidisciplinary understandings in order to enhance practice. |
Assessment Information
| Submission of one 2000 word written assignment which provides an opportunity to apply selected social theories to a contemporary social issue. |
Special Arrangements
| Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Mr Alan Ducklin
Tel: (0131 6)51 6121
Email: Alan.Ducklin@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Mrs Lesley Spencer
Tel: (0131 6)51 6373
Email: Lesley.Spencer@ed.ac.uk |
|
copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 5:51 am
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