Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Students wishing to take this module must have studied at least 1 Sociology module at stage 2.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aims of this module are to explore the continued relevance of class in the late modern, post-industrial period and to understand the differences between competing perspectives.
Class has become an increasingly contested concept whereby some theorists and commentators see it as less relevant, whilst others assert it is just as significant, if not more so, than it has ever been. Students will be expected to critically evaluate, a range of theoretical trends in class analysis to explore the on-going tensions between cultural and economic/phenomenological and material relations of class and the (re)making of class subjects.
Alongside theoretical concepts, the module examines how class manifests in our everyday lives through such things as our relationships, jobs, health, and leisure and to what extent it endures as a mode of identity and inequality in the UK. Throughout the module there will be a focus on the changing relationship between structure and agency and the ways in which life chances and life experiences are shaped. The module will challenge students to think about social class from both personal and theoretical perspectives and enable them to develop reasoned arguments about the role of class in contemporary society.

Outline Of Syllabus

This course begins by developing theoretical foundations of class analysis and knowledge of key historical, political and intellectual moments that have shaped understandings of class and its relevance before going on to explore and assess the continued relevance of class in contemporary everyday life.

Building on theoretical debates introduced in stages one and two (particularly the work of foundational theorists including Marx and Weber), this module will further develop those ideas and will introduce students to Cultural Class theorists (for example Bourdieu) and individualisation theories (such as Beck, Giddens and Bauman). This part of the module will develop students’ knowledge of class and competing theoretical perspectives as a tool for reasserting and examining class today.

Following the focus on theoretical perspectives, each following week will explore the contemporary relevance and manifestations of class in relation to substantive topics. These may include: employment, leisure, social mobility, health, and the media. Students will explore the ways in which class is experienced via old and new inequalities and identity formation in everyday life.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical understanding of foundations of class analysis from Marxist, and Weberian traditions and contemporary Bourdieusian perspectives.
• Demonstrate critical understanding of contemporary sociological debates on how class is changing, disappearing or being reproduced within the UK.
• Demonstrate a class-based critique of key areas of research and social life from the perspective of class.
• Show critical understanding of how class intersects with various social issues and impacts life chances for different groups in society.
• Demonstrate critical understanding of empirical research and evidence of inequalities related to class.
• Demonstrate personal and reflective analysis of everyday issues through a classed lens.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to ...
•       Assess the continued relevance of the role of class analysis within social theory and social life.
•       Analyse the phenomenological and material experiences of class and problems of structure and agency in theory and analysis.
•       Use class as a critical lens to explore various aspects of social life and investigate its empirical manifestations from both a personally reflective, as well as a theoretical perspective.
•       Develop writing skills that enable effective communication of complex issues aimed at wider audiences.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce students to the core themes of the module. Students will be engaged in critical assessment of key readings in the seminars and asked to reflect on these in light of their own life experiences. Small group work will be undertaken in the seminar classes. Two workshops will be devoted to assessment planning and assessment skills development.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The essay will test the theoretical learning outcomes and will involve the students engaging with independent learning –retrieving and assimilating new material. The portfolio 'zine' project will allow students to reflect on a personal issue through a classed lens and draw in theoretical material where appropriate. Students will be encouraged to keep a weekly diary that records their experiences on the module (not assessed) that will help them in writing the reflective log at the end of the module

General Notes

N/A