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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


SP30118: Theoretical issues II: subjectivities & identities

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: SP30118 Supplementary assessment CW 100% (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:

1. To outline and analyse key contemporary theoretical debates in sociology.
2. To critically assess the significance of these debates to 21st Century societies and sociology as a discipline.
3. In particular the unit will address the connections, tensions and contradictions between the following:
* the fragmentation of modernity;
* challenges to 'objective truth';
* the 'triumph' of postmodernism and postmodernity;
* globalisation and the shrinkage of space;
* (world) risk society;
* identity and subjectivity;
* gender, particularly theories of masculinities and feminities;
* sexuality and performativity;
* the body in identity formation and assertion;
* 'hate' crime and the suppression of the Other.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit, students should be able to:
1. Outline and analyse key contemporary theoretical debates.
2. Critically assess them in light of current research findings.
3. In particular review and assess the significance and implications of:
* theories concerned with the apparent fragmentation of modernity and the emergence of 'postmodernity', 'late modernity' or 'reflexive modernity';
* theoretical assertions made by 'postmodernists' and their critics;
* globalisation and the shrinkage of space;
* the notion of a (world) risk society;
* debates on identity and subjectivity, with particular reference to gender, sexuality, the body and hate crimes.

Skills:

* To think creatively and analytically;
* To communicate an argument;
* To evaluate others' arguments;
* To select appropriate and relevant theoretical material from a wide source and large body of knowledge;
* To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding;
* To develop a theoretical framework to assist in their understanding and analysis of current debates in sociology;
* To develop study and learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing);
* To develop basic Information and Computing Technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information);
* To develop essay research, preparation and writing skills;
* To construct a bibliography;
* To develop time-management and administrative skills;
* To develop communication and debating skills;
* To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development;
* To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands;
* To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills.

Content:
The fragmentation of modernity; challenges to 'objective truth'; the alleged 'triumph' of postmodernism and postmodernity; globalisation and the shrinkage of space; (world) risk society; identity and subjectivity; gender; sexuality and performativity; the body and identity formation and assertion; 'hate' crime and the suppression of the Other.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

SP30118 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc (hons) Sociology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc (hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UHSP-AFB11 : BSc (hons) Sociology with Human Resource Management (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHSP-AKB11 : BSc (hons) Sociology with Human Resource Management (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4

SP30118 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology
  • UHPS-AKB03 : BSc (hons) Psychology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc (hons) Social Policy (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UHSP-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Social Policy and Administration (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHSP-AKB01 : BSc (hons) Social Policy and Administration (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc (hons) Social Sciences (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.