A Basic Introduction and Guide to Sociology

Facilitator: Thomas Moore: B.A. Honours (Mod.) Sociology and Social Policy, T.C.D.; Higher Diploma in Further Education, N.U.I. Maynooth.

Date: Oct 15, 2020 – Jan 28, 2021
Day: Thursday
Time : 6.15pm – 7.45pm
Category: Personal development
Venue : To be confirmed in office on start date
Cost: €125 for twelve classes

This learner-centered course offers a basic introduction to Sociology. No qualifications, educational or otherwise, are necessary to fully participate and enjoy this course and learners from all backgrounds are welcome. Class discussion and interaction is encouraged and is integral to an enjoyable learning experience. No materials are required, and optional readings will be provided.

The course is aimed at those who want to get a better understanding of how the societies in which they live have come into being and how and why they operate in the way they do. The intention is for learners to develop a consciousness allowing them to critically analyze the societies in which they live.

It is also suitable foundation platform for those thinking about progressing into further studies in the Social Sciences field such as Sociology, Social Studies, or Social Work/Social Care.

•Understanding Sociology. Its relevance in understanding a persons’ position in society as an individual, a family member, and as part of their wider community.
•Explore Marxist, Functionalist, and Feminist theories.
•Understand processes and agents of socialisation by examining families, peer groups, education, the media and their impact on both individuals and society.
•Apply theories to Investigate the role and function of the family as a social unit. Consider the implications of changes in family structure in recent times.
•Examine areas of social stratification in society exploring divisions in along the lines of social class, gender, religion, race/ethnicity, nationality etc.
•Discuss the experience of discrimination/discriminating practices encountered by different groups in Irish society.
•How discrimination and racism impact on the life chances of socially marginalised groups such as Travellers, new nationals, marital status, age, disability, minority religions, LGBT communities, and other groups of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.
•Research methods. Sampling, Qualitative and Quantitative methods, Primary and Secondary methods.
•Acquire basic research skills by summarising the differences between primary and secondary research and qualitative and quantitative methods.
•Ethics in social research. Explore classic examples – Tearoom Trade, Stanford Prison experiment etc.