Module Code - Title:
SO4001
-
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module aims to introduce students to the subject matter of contemporary sociology. It will familiarise students with the key concepts used within sociological analysis and demonstrate, using illustrative materials, the uses and importance of sociological analysis in the modern and post-modern world.
Syllabus:
An introduction to the sociological perspective
What is sociology and what do sociologists do?
The development of sociology
The sociological imagination
An introduction to sociological theory
Agency and Structure
Culture, Norms and Values
An introduction to structural functionalist theories
An introduction to conflict theories
An introduction to interaction theories
An introduction to feminist theory and post-modernism
An introduction to sociological research
The ethics of social research
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Discuss the applications of sociology.
Differentiate between established sociological perspectives.
Define key sociological concepts.
Describe research tools used by sociologists.
Explain key ethical principles employed in sociological practice.
Employ appropriate sociological literature.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This module will be taught through a combination of lecturers, tutorials and self directed learning.
Prime Texts:
Scott, J. (2014)
A Dictionary of Sociology
, Oxford University Press
Power, M., Devereux, E., Carr, J., Dillane, A., Ryan, M., Maher, D. and Joyce, S. (2022)
Understanding Irish Society: Critical Sociological Perspectives
, W.W. Norton and Co.
Wade, L. (2022)
Terrible, Magnificent Sociology
, W.W. Norton and Co.
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS (PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS)
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ENGLISH AND HISTORY
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GLOBAL POLITICS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY, POLITICS, SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE AND EUROPEAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIOLOGY
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LAW PLUS)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SOCIAL SCIENCES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Amanda.Haynes@ul.ie