SO4004 - Thinking Sociologically 2

The module will be taught through combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures will generally outline key concepts and theories which, along with the Module Guide and e-learning portal, will provide a framework for seminar discussions and student self-directed study. Seminars will focus upon key discussion questions and key readings, role playing debates which will directly relate to both assessment tasks. Key readings are available electronically via the library or via the Blackboard site for the module.

You will be expected to engage in private and self-directed study. The lecture programme, module guide, internet site and tutor prescription will provide a clear framework for this study.

Tutorial time will be available to all students (on a group or individual basis) during staff ‘office hours’ or upon appointment with a module tutor. Sign up on the office door of staff or email members of staff to request a tutorial time.

You will also have access to the e-learning portal with a dedicated internet site to support this module (currently via 'Blackboard'). The site will include electronic copies of module and lecture materials, further reading materials, important module announcements, tutor advice/guidance and further internet links.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. To demonstrate an understanding of the importance of social theory in the understanding and explanation of the nature of the social world

2. To demonstrate an understanding of contemporary critiques of classical sociological models through a consideration of some twentieth century theory.

3. To be able to apply a range of twentieth century social theory to interpret key social challenges.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. To start to apply, and be able to discuss, a range of social theory and its relevance to contemporary debates and current affairs

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

1. To recognise the contribution from 20th Century social theory in studying society and appreciate the contribution sociological theory specifically makes to understanding the social world, and how this interacts with your own perspectives and world view.

Semester 2 Assessments
1- Debate Simulation (20% )
Each week, seminar sessions will feature a debate simulation between two key thinkers discussed in the lecture. In the first week, each student will select a thinker to defend and will actively participate in the roundtable discussion during the relevant week. You will submit a 500 word summary of the debate that outlines your key arguments, the counterpoints raised by your peers and a reflection on the debate experience.
MLO assessed
3. To be able to apply a range of twentieth century social theory to interpret key social challenges.
1. To start to apply, and be able to discuss, a range of social theory and its relevance to contemporary debates and current affairs
2- Written Essay (80%) Comprehension-Based Critical Analysis: Working individually, you will write short answers (200 words each) to 10 questions that engage with key concepts, and debates explored each week, using concrete examples. The total word count will be 2000 words.
MLO assessed:
To demonstrate an understanding of the importance of social theory in the understanding and explanation of the nature of the social world
2. To demonstrate an understanding of contemporary critiques of classical sociological models through a consideration of some twentieth century theory.
1. To recognise the contribution from 20th Century social theory in studying society and appreciate the contribution sociological theory specifically makes to understanding the social world, and how this interacts with your own perspectives and world view.


The first assessment encourages experiential learning, intellectual challenge, and active engagement with sociological thinking. The second assessment helps you to summarize complex theories and ideas into concise, practical answers to real-world problems. Together, these assessments develop your discussion, oral communication, and writing skills, preparing you for professional settings.


You will receive verbal feedback on your first assessment in the seminar, and written feedback on both asseessments within 20 working days (4 weeks) of the submission date in semester two.

Students are encouraged to see their tutors for additional feedback on their assessments during the year. Students are also encouraged to use essay plans as part of their assessment preparation and tutors can offer formative feedback on these plans to help students with their writing.

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This module focuses on twentieth century theorists and addresses how they have influenced the way we understand the world around us. You will be introduced to contemporary critiques of classical sociological models through a consideration of how ideas evolved and challenged sociological thinking and approaches. We will apply a range of theory to contemporary social problems and debates, such as social division, changing identity, migration, climate change and investigate the shifting roles of the media, family, education, the body and emotions.