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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2013/2014
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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Social and Political Science : Sociology

Undergraduate Course: Knowledge and Social Criticism (SCIL10066)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Social and Political Science CollegeCollege of Humanities and Social Science
Course typeStandard AvailabilityAvailable to all students
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) Credits20
Home subject areaSociology Other subject areaNone
Course website None Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionSociologists have been debating and disputing the nature of social scientific knowledge, and the most desirable political orientation for social inquirers to adopt since the discipline came into being. This course explores the interconnections between four different 'images' of sociological inquiry, their conceptions of sociological investigation and their views on the appropriate stance towards political and moral debates. These images range from positivist conceptions, where social inquirers are encouraged to be scientists who set their value-judgements to one side, to postmodernist accounts, where the ideal of sociology as a science and the notion that value-judgements can be set aside, are questioned. Also considered are interpretive approaches, arguing the importance of grasping actors' perspectives on the social world, and critical/emancipatory orientations, seeing social scientific knowledge playing key roles in the liberation of social actors from domination and repression. This course critically assesses these approaches considers and appraises pieces of research linked to each perspective.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Additional Costs No
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesVisiting students should have at least 3 Sociology courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses.
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of this course the student will have developed an understanding of theories and debates concerning relationships between knowledge and power, and will be able critically to assess contrasting approaches.
Assessment Information
A combination of coursework and/or exams with details to be specified by Course Organiser at first class
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
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Jonathan Hearn
Tel: (0131 6)50 4242
Email: J.Hearn@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Sue Renton
Tel: (0131 6)50 6958
Email: Sue.Renton@ed.ac.uk
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