Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
SP20047 Economic sociology and work relationships |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take SP10043 and take SP10044 |
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Aims: This unit aims to develop a sociological understanding of modern economic processes and organisations and their relation to work activities, attitudes and relationships utilising a historical and comparative framework with a focus on the development of work in modern Britain.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit the student should have gained knowledge and understanding of: * The main sociological theories of modernisation and their relation to issues surrounding work * The variable nature of work both with and between societies and over time * The relationship between work and wider social relations and divisions, e.g. class, gender etc. * The key issues involved in contemporary work relations * The theoretical basis of learning processes and effective learning; * The fundamental concepts of sociology and management relevant to the student becoming an effective practitioner; * The theoretical basis of sociological perspectives; * The historical and contemporary perspective of sociology; * The current developments in practice and research in a European and world context; * The relationship between Sociology and other cognate disciplines. Skills: * To develop critical and analytical powers in general; * To develop critical, analytical problem-based learning skills and the transferable skills to prepare the student for graduate employment or further study; * To enhance the development of the students' interpersonal skills; * To develop research skills with particular reference to those skills relating to investigation and analysis; * To provide the student with opportunities for collaborative learning with others; * To assist the student to develop the skills required for both autonomous and team work. Intellectual skills: * To think creatively and analytically * To communicate an argument * To evaluate others' arguments and research * To learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs (i.e. identify strengths and improve weaknesses in methods of learning and studying); * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information. * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.). * To select appropriate and relevant information 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 utilise problem solving skills * To analyse and evaluate innovative practices in students' relevant degree discipline; * To explore a variety of relationships and environments relevant to learning and practising within the context of the student's degree discipline. Professional skills: * To reflect upon new technology and innovation within social sciences and to make decisions regarding legitimacy, reliability and effectiveness; * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of sociological analysis and human resource management skills within a variety of environments; * To develop sensitivity to the values and interests of others. Transferable/Key skills: * Study & Learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing); * Basic Information and Computing Technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information); * Inter-personal and communication skills; * Essay research, preparation and writing skills; * To construct a bibliography of varying complexity; * Revision and Examination skills; * Time-management and administrative skills; * Presentation skills and verbal communication (i.e. oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contributions) * Team and group working skills; * To lead others confidently and competently; * To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development. * To solve prooblems in a variety of situations; * To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands. * To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills. * To understand career opportunities and challenges ahead and begin to plan a career path. Content: This unit examines sociological approaches to the changing forms of work and work organisations. Key issues include rationalisation and bureaucratisation; the introduction and impact of new technologies; managerial and worker strategies in the control of work; conflict and accommodation at the workplace; corporate structure-ownership, control and managerialism, implications for theories of class and gender relationships. The unit investigates these issues in three broad contexts: the period of early industrialisation, the development of mass production and 'Fordism' and the growth and consolidation of modern industrial structures. |