Sociology at Work - SOC00053I

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Module summary

This module explores sociological approaches to work, but we do so critically in that we apply sociological perspectives to explore the value and purpose of work in society; for example, we will focus debates about the changing role of a university education in a contemporary economy.  This encourages a critical reflexive appreciation of the kind of expectations that fundamentally shape student experience of their education. This critical reflexive stance is further developed in the way we explore how sociological ideas can be applied to enhance employability. External speakers will provide insight into a range of occupations. This practical focus will be a central theme of the module and will be reflected in the assessment format.

 

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Autumn Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module has two objectives. First, it examines how sociology can help us understand the demands and structural organization of labour in contemporary neoliberal society. Second, it explores how sociological perspectives can be applied to develop and enhance student employability and career objectives.  

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students will:

• be able to draw from a range of sociological theories and findings to articulate and illustrate practical benefits in the employment process

• have a sound theoretical and empirical appreciation of the core sociological approaches to work

• have experience of translating life experiences into employment related strengths and skills

Module content

This module will be taught through lectures and workshops, and plenaries from invited external speakers. There will be one hour-long lecture per week, followed and supported by weekly 1 hour small group workshops in which the themes of the lecture will be discussed.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	30
Essay/coursework	40
Essay/coursework	30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	30
Essay/coursework	40
Essay/coursework	30

Module feedback

Summative

- written feedback on group report/presentation

- written feedback on individual reflective work

- written feedback on application activity

Indicative reading

• Bradley et al (2000) Myths at Work.
• Grint (2005) The Sociology of Work
• Watson (2017) Sociology, Work and Organisation