Undergraduate Course: Sociology of Consumption (SCIL10069)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Standard |
Availability | Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 20 |
| Home subject area | Sociology |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | This course examines the ways in which consumption is an intrinsic part of modern capitalist societies, as well as the dynamics of consumption under globalization. It combines discussions of the theoretical tradition in sociology with contemporary approaches to consumption, while drawing on empirical research in order to show how consumption shapes not only the characteristics of social groups, but also individual lifestyles. Its aims are (1) to introduce students to the concept of consumption as it is developed in classic sociology and highlight its relevance for understanding modern societies; (2) to introduce students to contemporary theoretical approaches to consumption; (3) to provide students with an understanding of how consumption shapes the social structure of contemporary societies, as well as their own individual lives; (4) to provide students with the analytical tools for examining phenomena of consumption and to develop their concrete analytical skills through case studies; (5) to help students achieve a critical understanding of the impact of consumption on the contemporary world; (6) to help students achieve a critical understanding of the relationship between consumption and globalization.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
| Additional Costs | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Sociology or closely related courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level course. |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | No |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
The aims of the course are (1) to introduce students to the concept of consumption as it is developed in classic sociology and highlight its relevance for understanding modern societies; (2) to introduce students to contemporary theoretical approaches to consumption; (3) to provide students with an understanding of how consumption shapes the social structure of contemporary societies, as well as their own individual lives; (4) to provide students with the analytical tools for examining phenomena of consumption and to develop their concrete analytical skills through case studies; (5) to help students achieve a critical understanding of the impact of consumption on the contemporary world; (6) to help students achieve a critical understanding of the relationship between consumption and globalization.
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Assessment Information
short paper (25%)
choice of long essay (75%).
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Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Alex Preda
Tel: (0131 6)50 4052
Email: A.preda@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Sue Renton
Tel: (0131 6)50 6958
Email: Sue.Renton@ed.ac.uk |
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