Accessibility statement

Culture, Society & Globalisation I: Theories & Developments - SOC00018M

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  • Department: Sociology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Eliran Bar-El
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module surveys the main sociological approaches to the study of culture in our globalised world. It revisits major concepts and examines how they can be used to better understand, describe, and critique contemporary society and culture.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims to introduce students to various sociological theories of globalisation and its effects on culture and society. It will provide a conceptual basis with which we will examine contemporary issues and debates, such as neoliberalism and post-coloniality. Looking at both the social and individual levels, we will paint a complex yet detailed picture of the globalised world and how it shapes our everyday culture in terms of materiality or identity. Through this module, and building on current research, you will develop your understanding of such concepts as well as your analytical skills to critically evaluate different perspectives.

Module learning outcomes

On completing this module students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of core sociological theories of culture, society and globalisation;

  2. Critically evaluate the various causes and effects of globalisation;

  3. Effectively communicate complex ideas through both oral and written formats;

  4. Engage in informed discussions on current global trends;

  5. Compare different perspectives on the global-local tension.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Open letter and essay		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Open letter and essay		 N/A 100

Module feedback

  • For formative work – open letter – students will receive written feedback on how to improve their skills in areas that will contribute towards their summative assessment. The formative assessment provides practice for the summative tasks which entail an open letter and essay, which is in line with MLO 1-4 in particular.
  • For summative work – essay – 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 academic progress.

Indicative reading

Alexander, J. C. and Seidman, S. (eds.). (1990). Culture and Society: Contemporary Debates. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Friedland, R. and Mohr, J. (eds.). (2004). Matters of Culture: Cultural Sociology in Practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Gray, A. and McGuigan, J. (eds.) (1993). Studying Culture: Introductory Reader. Edinburgh: Edward Arnold.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.