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Understanding Self in Society - SOC00015C

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  • Department: Sociology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

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 2023-24

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

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

For formative work - Observational Exercise- students will receive written or verbal feedback on how to improve their skills in areas that will contribute towards their summative assessment. Both formative assessments provide practice for the summative tasks, which entail an observational exercise and are in line with MLO 1-5.

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

Franzoi, S.L. (2009) Social psychology. London: McGraw-Hill.

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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores 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. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.