MA Sociology brochure
2
MA Sociology The MA in Sociology offers students an exciting opportunity to explore theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary sociology, and to develop expertise in the principles and application of social research methodologies. Modules focus on contemporary issues in social theory and the analysis of recent social changes and developments, as well as cutting edge thinking reflected in current staff research. Specialisms include: the impact of new technologies on social science; the changing nature of contemporary identity, including national identities and diasporas and the nature of agency; and risk, surveillance and crime in global contexts. All teaching takes place on the Cambridge campus, with excellent library facilities, bookshops and other facilities close at hand. In addition to the taught modules, the Department and the Faculty run a series of research seminars to which staff and postgraduate students are invited. How the MA is Organised The MA consists of four taught modules taken over one year by full-time students, or two years for part-time students. The Major Project is completed at the end of the taught part of the course. Teaching runs over two semesters of 12 weeks each, September to December and February to May. Weekly sessions of two hours usually take place Monday 4 to 6pm and Thursday 4 to 6pm. research question, assessment weighting and criteria, and the form of the project. Optional Modules: Crime and Control in Late Modernity: This module will engage with contemporary and enduring theories of crime and deviance that are of primary importance to the concept of late modernity. Starting with the claim that modernity is now characterised by globalization, a heightened sense of risk, and reflexivity, we will focus on two broad themes of contemporary criminology: ‘governance, control, and risk’ and ‘cultural criminology’. Nationalism, Diasporas and Identities: This module explores notions of identity related to belonging, rootedness and mobility. It examines key concepts of nationalism, transnationalism, diaspora and migration and traces changing debates about their meanings over time. Particular attention will be paid to intersections with gender, class and ethnicity. The notion of ‘home’ will be investigated at national and local levels, and concepts of hybridity will also be examined. The module will draw on detailed case studies in order to ground these concepts and identify their specificities. Nature Technology and Society: This module explores the relationship between social, technical and natural worlds and opens up discussion both of the sociology of the future and of the future of sociology. The module addresses the notion of technological and scientific development as social process, the changing social, economic, political and cultural role of science, and the engagement of public and policy-makers with new forms of scientific and technical practice. The module considers case studies relating to, for example, information and communication technologies; the study of animals; biopower, biocapital and biocitizenship; and issues of global warming and environmental catastrophe. Special Subject: This module will give students an opportunity to explore in depth a particular issue or topic that is of interest to contemporary sociological scholars and practitioners. This module will take one of two forms. Either the module will offer detailed discussion of an important recent sociological work; or a theme based topic will be featured i.e. focus will be upon an area of sociology which is the subject of recent scholarly debate and development. The text or theme module will be subjected to close critical scrutiny, and students will engage in a detailed study of the arguments presented in the work or topic under consideration, as well as examining responses by others working in the field. Semester 1 Compulsory Modules Optional Modules Contemporary Social Crime and Control in Late Theory (30 credits) Modernity (30 credits) Postgraduate Major Or Project (60 credits) Nationalisms, Diasporas and Identities Semester 2 Compulsory Modules Optional Modules Postgraduate Research Nature, Technology and Methods (30 credits) Society (30 credits) Postgraduate Major Project Or (60 credits) Special Subject Compulsory Modules: Postgraduate Research Methods: This module provides students with the research skills and techniques needed both to critically evaluate the literature they will be using in their Masters course and to put into practice in their own dissertations. It will explore the methodologies and methods applied in contemporary social science research to enable students to select an appropriate range for their own needs. Contemporary Social Theory: This module focuses on two key debates in social theory. First, we examine the structure- agency debate and various attempts to reconcile the different perspectives in this debate, including Giddens’ structuration theory, Bourdieu’s genetic structuralism, critical realism, and neo-pragmatism; Secondly, we consider the debate over the role of modernity and progress and reason, which will include critical examination of the work of Frankfurt School, Habermas and Bauman among others. Major Project: This module enables students to demonstrate their ability to raise and investigate significant questions in relation to their specialist research area either through empirical research or sustained theoretical investigation. Based on their initial project proposal students will be expected to negotiate a learning contract with their supervisor, which outlines title, 792_ARU_Sociology_6ppdl_F.indd 1-3 30/7/10 10:10:12
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Current brochure for the MA Sociology degree course at Anglia Ruskin University
Transcript of MA Sociology brochure
MA SociologyThe MA in Sociology offers students an exciting opportunity to explore theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary sociology, and to develop expertise in the principles and application of social research methodologies. Modules focus on contemporary issues in social theory and the analysis of recent social changes and developments, as well as cutting edge thinking reflected in current staff research. Specialisms include: the impact of new technologies on social science; the changing nature of contemporary identity, including national identities and diasporas and the nature of agency; and risk, surveillance and crime in global contexts. All teaching takes place on the Cambridge campus, with excellent library facilities, bookshops and other facilities close at hand. In addition to the taught modules, the Department and the Faculty run a series of research seminars to which staff and postgraduate students are invited.
How the MA is OrganisedThe MA consists of four taught modules taken over one year by full-time students, or two years for part-time students. The Major Project is completed at the end of the taught part of the course. Teaching runs over two semesters of 12 weeks each, September to December and February to May. Weekly sessions of two hours usually take place Monday 4 to 6pm and Thursday 4 to 6pm.
research question, assessment weighting and criteria, and the form of the project.
Optional Modules:Crime and Control in Late Modernity: This module will engage with contemporary and enduring theories of crime and deviance that are of primary importance to the concept of late modernity. Starting with the claim that modernity is now characterised by globalization, a heightened sense of risk, and reflexivity, we will focus on two broad themes of contemporary criminology: ‘governance, control, and risk’ and ‘cultural criminology’.
Nationalism, Diasporas and Identities: This module explores notions of identity related to belonging, rootedness and mobility. It examines key concepts of nationalism, transnationalism, diaspora and migration and traces changing debates about their meanings over time. Particular attention will be paid to intersections with gender, class and ethnicity. The notion of ‘home’ will be investigated at national and local levels, and concepts of hybridity will also be examined. The module will draw on detailed case studies in order to ground these concepts and identify their specificities.
Nature Technology and Society: This module explores the relationship between social, technical and natural worlds and opens up discussion both of the sociology of the future and of the future of sociology. The module addresses the notion of technological and scientific development as social process, the changing social, economic, political and cultural role of science, and the engagement of public and policy-makers with new forms of scientific and technical practice. The module considers case studies relating to, for example, information and communication technologies; the study of animals; biopower, biocapital and biocitizenship; and issues of global warming and environmental catastrophe.
Special Subject: This module will give students an opportunity to explore in depth a particular issue or topic that is of interest to contemporary sociological scholars and practitioners. This module will take one of two forms. Either the module will offer detailed discussion of an important recent sociological work; or a theme based topic will be featured i.e. focus will be upon an area of sociology which is the subject of recent scholarly debate and development. The text or theme module will be subjected to close critical scrutiny, and students will engage in a detailed study of the arguments presented in the work or topic under consideration, as well as examining responses by others working in the field.
Semester 1
Compulsory Modules Optional ModulesContemporary Social Crime and Control in Late Theory (30 credits) Modernity (30 credits) Postgraduate Major OrProject (60 credits) Nationalisms, Diasporas and Identities Semester 2
Compulsory Modules Optional ModulesPostgraduate Research Nature, Technology and Methods (30 credits) Society (30 credits) Postgraduate Major Project Or(60 credits) Special Subject
Compulsory Modules:Postgraduate Research Methods: This module provides students with the research skills and techniques needed both to critically evaluate the literature they will be using in their Masters course and to put into practice in their own dissertations. It will explore the methodologies and methods applied in contemporary social science research to enable students to select an appropriate range for their own needs.
Contemporary Social Theory: This module focuses on two key debates in social theory. First, we examine the structure-agency debate and various attempts to reconcile the different perspectives in this debate, including Giddens’ structuration theory, Bourdieu’s genetic structuralism, critical realism, and neo-pragmatism; Secondly, we consider the debate over the role of modernity and progress and reason, which will include critical examination of the work of Frankfurt School, Habermas and Bauman among others.
Major Project: This module enables students to demonstrate their ability to raise and investigate significant questions in relation to their specialist research area either through empirical research or sustained theoretical investigation. Based on their initial project proposal students will be expected to negotiate a learning contract with their supervisor, which outlines title,
792_ARU_Sociology_6ppdl_F.indd 1-3 30/7/10 10:10:12
MA SociologyFaculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences
www.anglia.ac.uk/alsspg
Entry RequirementsNormally we require a good honours degree in a subject area relevant for the MA (i.e. in Social Sciences), or in a related area. We do offer an interview for those applicants who do not meet the requirements but can demonstrate they have the academic ability to work at postgraduate level. Please contact the MA Convenor if you wish to enquire about the course. Our postgraduate students include those returning to study after a period away, recent graduates and international students. Many of our students work in addition to studying for a postgraduate qualification.
TeachingTeaching mainly takes place in a research seminar format, but may also include some lectures, guest speakers and debates. The MA tutors are available for one-to-one support and advice.
All teaching takes place on the Cambridge campus, with excellent library facilities, bookshops and other facilities close at hand. In addition to the taught modules, the Department and the Faculty run a series of research seminars to which staff and postgraduate students are invited.
AssessmentAssessment varies from module to module, but typically might consist of a 5,000 word essay plus a presentation of approx 20 minutes; a case study plus presentation, or a portfolio of activities to be submitted at the end of the module.
Dr Liz BradburySocial theory; gender studies; psychoanalysis; the Frankfurt School
Dr David SkinnerRace and racism, the social and political aspects of scientific and technological innovation; the relationship between the natural and social sciences; forensics, databases and surveillance; the changing management of public services
Professor Bronwen WalterIrish diaspora studies; trajectories of Irishness and whiteness; English/Irish hybridities; genealogies and citizenship
Dr Shaun le BoutillierSocial theory; applied ethics; explanations of the relations between individual and society
Dr Sam LundriganCriminological geographic profiling systems; spatial
behaviour of serial rapists; behaviour consistency of serial offenders
Dr Anna MarkovskaTransitional countries; serious crime; corruption; drug abuse
Colleen MooreViolent behaviour; justice and injustice through the courts; human trafficking; comparative criminology
Julia Selman-AyeteyLaw, the criminal justice process and ethical issues of policing; DNA database
Emma BrettPublic service; learning and education; equality and cultural diversity; barriers to learning
Julian Constable Learning and teaching in the post-compulsory education sector; police training methods
Contact
Click www.anglia.ac.uk/alsspg
To apply please visit www.anglia.ac.uk/apply
Email [email protected]
Call 0845 271 3333
The Staff Team
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