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DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2006/2007
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Home : College of Humanities and Social Science : School of Social and Political Studies (Schedule J) : Sociology

Contemporary Issues in Social Theory (SY0004)

? Credit Points : 20  ? SCQF Level : 10  ? Acronym : SPS-3-SYCIST

This course will always involve theorizing various problems and issues that seem to be of contemporary significance. In 2002-2003 the focus will be on theorizing the idea of community. Postmodern theorists such as Lyotard and Nancy will be discussed from the perspective of their interest in this topic. We will also attempt to develop the significance for this current issue of various major traditions of social thought, both classic and contemporary. Throughout the course, the emphasis will be on using previous and current theorists in order to advance our own theoretical development of the topic in question rather than just being content to produce exegetical descriptions of others' work.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Visiting students must have prior study in Politics. As a general guide we usually require students to have completed three Politics courses at grade B or above. Admission to honours courses is limited and there can be strong competition for places.

Subject Areas

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type Day Start End Area
Lecture Friday 09:00 10:50 Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

1. That students learn to appreciate the difference between theory and common sense.

2. That students learn how the activity of theorizing can be applied to specific contemporary issues.

3. That students actually begin to practice or do theorizing.

4. That students see how theorizing can lead to discoveries or results with regard to substantive issues.

5. That students gain knowledge of the work of some specific contemporary theorists in terms of its relevance to the issues we focus on.

6. That students gain an appreciation of the potential for social critique offered by some forms of theorizing.

Assessment Information

A combination of coursework and/or exams with details to be specified by Course Organiser at first class

Exam times

Diet Diet Month Paper Code Paper Name Length
1ST May 1 - 2 hour(s)

Contact and Further Information

The Course Secretary should be the first point of contact for all enquiries.

Course Secretary

Ms Sue Renton
Tel : (0131 6)50 6958
Email : Sue.Renton@ed.ac.uk

Course Organiser

Dr S Raffel
Tel : (0131 6)50 3994
Email : Stanley.Raffel@ed.ac.uk

School Website : http://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/

College Website : http://www.hss.ed.ac.uk/

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