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SO3066: THINKING SOCIOLOGICALLY (2026-2027)

Last modified: 5 Days, 14 Hours, 26 Minutes ago


Course Overview

Thinking Sociologically is the department's core sociological theory module. The course offers our students an introduction to a range of key sociological thinkers and bodies of thought, both classical and contemporary, that inform sociological analysis of social life and social institutions. As such, this course is intended to provide our honours students with a conceptual 'toolkit', that can be applied to facilitate understanding, insight and informed critique with respect to a broad range of historical and contemporary social, political and economic phenomena.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Term First Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Professor John D. Bone

Qualification Prerequisites

  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

  • SO3566 Thinking Sociologically (Studied)

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course aims to give students an understanding of what constitutes core sociological ways of theorising and researching specific aspects of social life. It considers the similarities and differences between the various theoretical and methodological orientations of key sociologists from the nineteenth century to the present day. The course also considers the relevance, or otherwise, of these ideas to understanding contemporary society.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 21st September 2026 for Term 1 and Full Year courses and 8th January 2027 for Term 2 courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Written feedback will be provided for continuous assessment work. This will normally be provided within three weeks of the submission date. Oral feedback on class presentations will also be provided where appropriate.

Word Count 1500
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Blog Post

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

400-word blog post (10%). 

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Take Home Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Timed (72 hours) take-home exam; two questions each 1000 words maximum - critical analysis applied to theoretical questions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Class Test - Multiple Choice Questions

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

45-minute Multiple Choice Questions quiz (10%).

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Oral Presentation: Group

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Tutorial group presentations (Peer-marked with tutor moderation)

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Take Home Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Timed (72 hours) take-home exam; two questions each 1000 words maximum - critical analysis applied to theoretical questions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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