Module overview
The module will look at key global social transformations in the modern world and the way in which these have been analysed by social scientists.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand and examine the processes of internationalisation to offer critical global perspectives on inequalities, social change, and power.
- Examine processes of social change, and how they shape individual lives and identities, social institutions and global structures
- Critically assess the impact of colonial history in understanding contemporary social issues
- Synthesise the major transformations of ‘modernity’ from a global perspective
- Critically review & evaluate the global transformations of the modern world using a range of theoretical perspectives
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Work with others in the investigation of problems, and in the presentation of arguments and evidence
- Communicate ideas and arguments orally and in the context of formal presentations
- Communicate ideas and arguments in a variety of written formats
Syllabus
The modern world is marked by constant and rapid social change. For some, these transformations indicate a runaway world spinning beyond our control. But how did this state of affairs come about? And how can we understand it? This module looks at the emergence of ‘modern’ society and provides key concepts to understand the continuing social transformations of modernity. Looking at topics such as religion, urbanization, globalization, media, consumption and etc. the module examines the key processes of modernisation and how these have shaped the everyday lives of individuals. By examining the rise (and fall) of mass urban, industrial society, the module shows how consumption and culture, space and nature, and individual self-identity have all been transformed by modernity. Attention is given to class, gender, race and ethnicity.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
One hour lecture immediately followed by one hour seminar on a weekly basis for 12 weeks.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 129 |
| Teaching | 21 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Stuart Hall & Bram Gieben (1992). Formations of Modernity. Polity/Open University.
Robin Cohen & Paul Kennedy (2007). Global Sociology. Palgrave.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
You will be assessed by means of two assessments: 1) one group project & presentation (40%); 2) one 2000 words assessed essay (60%) or an individual report of a case study (60%).
The group project & presentation assesses the understanding of the key sociological concepts of social change and the major transformations of ‘modernity’. The essay/case study report assesses the ability to apply theoretical concepts of social change - for example ‘religion’ or ‘globalization’. Both forms of assessments will encourage the students to gain a series of transferable skills such as team working skills, communication skills, skills in critical evaluation and analysis and etc.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 60% |
| Group presentation | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External