Module Information

‘Thinking Sociologically’ introduces students to specific and unique ways in which sociologists think about individuals and society; including the disciplinary boundaries between sociology other disciplines, such as, psychology, human geography, criminology etc. Students are also introduced to the relationship between sociology and common sense thinking. The module then examines in detail the key themes in sociology, encouraging students to examine them through sociological lenses. Throughout the module the key scholarly skills integral to sociology will be integrated.

​The module is divided into two parts. In the first half, students will explore what sociological thinking is and it's relationship to common sense and other aligned disciplinary thinking. Here the work of Bauman and May, and C. Wright Mills will be examined, in relation to what 'Thinking Sociologically' and the 'Sociological Imagination' is. The boundaries between Sociological and common sense thinking with aligned disciplines like Psychology, Criminology, Human Geography, Politics etc. will be explored. The second half examines the key themes in Sociology in contemporary society (e.g., social class, gender and sexuality, 'race'/ethnicity, age, disability etc.). These themes will be examined through different sociological lenses, with intersectional feminist theory being woven throughout. Key scholarly skills specific to the discipline of Sociology will be applied in seminars, including, referencing, essay writing, reflective thinking, presentation skills, and thinking critically.