Module Code - Title:
SO6061
-
URBAN SOCIOLOGY AND STRATIFICATION OF PLACE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will introduce students to the field of urban sociology. The module will focus specific attention on how the organization of cities is one of the key dimensions of social stratification with significant consequences over the life course. In addition to discussions of key theoretical foundations and contemporary empirical work, the module will also elaborate analytic strategies and methodological complications in the study of space.
Syllabus:
This module will examine contemporary issues in urban sociology and the stratification of place through elaboration and discussion of recent empirical research. Specific attention will focus on the organization of space and how it intersects with large scale dimensions of stratification (e.g., class or SES, gender, race/ethnicity. It will also consider issues in the analysis of spatial dynamics and resulting methodological complications.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of the social dynamics of cities and their implications for life and life chances.
Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of urbanisation and community context for a range of sociological phenomena (e.g., crime and victimisation, social mobility, health inequalities, social cohesion)
Understand of the methodological complications in studying spatial processes and their consequences, as well as demonstrate a facility with analytic innovations to address such issues.
Conduct basic research on the ecology of social social experience using quantitative methods for spatial processes
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an awareness of spatial stratification and empathy for those marginalized by spatial processes.
Demonstrate an understanding of the moral and ethical implications of spatial organization and how research can inform better public policy and practices for more just outcomes
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Not applicable
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught through in-class lectures that focus on contemporary theoretical issues as well as the most recent research published in Sociology and Urban studies journals. This will be supplemented with in-class discussion and small group work. In combination, these will enhance knowledgeability of the subject area, foster a proactive stance towards research, improve ability to articulate complex statistical terms, increase creativity through engagement with data, and improve a sense of responsibility to self and society.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Various (2019)
American Sociological Review
, Sage
Various (2019)
American Journal of Sociology
, University of Chicago Press
Various (2019)
Social Forces
, Oxford University Press
Various (2019)
Urban Studies
, Sage
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
ross.macmillan@ul.ie