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SP30118: Theoretical issues II: subjectivities & identities

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (100%) (EX 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: SP30118 Supplementary assessment CW 100% (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions 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.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

SP30118 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 4)

SP30118 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Psychology Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB16 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB16 : BSc(Hons) Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 4)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.