Understanding Self in Society - SOC00015C
Module summary
This module critically analyses the self in society by drawing on social, historical, and cultural context of behaviour. You will learn about approaches which have redefined contemporary social psychology and employ methodological approaches to the study of the relationship between the individual and society.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
How can we understand ourselves and our interactions with others in the social world around us? This module introduces you to the distinctive insights of sociological approaches to social psychology to help make sense of the social world and human social conduct, and which challenges more traditional psychological social psychology. You will cultivate a critical understanding and analysis of the self in society drawing on social, historical, and cultural context of behaviour. You will learn about approaches which have redefined contemporary social psychology and start to make use of some methodological approaches to the study of the relationship between the individual and society.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate an understanding of sociological psychological theory and methods
Apply sociological psychological approaches, methods and concepts to deal with and understand everyday events and occurrences
Position psychological phenomena within a wider social context and understanding of self in society
Identify and evaluate relevant literature to support empirical observations.
Communicate complex ideas effectively in oral and written formats.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100.0 |
Module feedback
For formative work - For formative work - we will provide exercises in preparation for the summative task. The cohort will receive feedback to support their development in relevant skill areas.
For summative work - Research Report - students will receive an overall mark and grading according to clearly defined criteria for assessing their knowledge, skills and abilities in line with MLO 1-5. They will also receive written feedback showing areas in which they have done well, and those areas in which they need to improve that will contribute to their progress.
Indicative reading
Goffman, E. (1969). The presentation of self in everyday life . London: Allen Lane
Hewitt, J.P. (2010) Self and society: A symbolic interactionist social psychology. London: Pearson.
Hollway, W., Lucey, H., & Phoenix, A. (2007) Social Psychology Matters. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Rohall, D.E. Milkie, M.A., and Lucas, J.W. (2011) Social psychology: Sociological perspectives. London: Pearson.
Scott, S., (2009) Making sense of everyday life. Polity.