Sociology
Sociology

In this course, Professor John Holmwood (University of Nottingham) explores functionalism as an approach within sociology. In the first lecture, we think about the emergence of functionalist ideas in the work of Émile Durkheim and their influence...
5 lectures
0:44:48
Prof. John Holmwood
Nottingham University
Sociology

In this course, Dr Ross Abbinnett (University of Birmingham) explores notions of modernity and postmodernity in sociological theory. In the first lecture, we consider the meaning of modernity and its characteristics. In the second lecture, we look...
5 lectures
0:58:51
Dr Ross Abbinnett
Birmingham University
Sociology

In this course, Dr Matthew Cole (University of Birmingham) explores patterns of differential educational attainment along class, gender, and ethnic lines. In the first lecture, we consider three sets of factors shaping unequal attainment –...
4 lectures
0:31:58
Dr Matthew Cole
Birmingham University
Sociology

In this course, Dr Matthew Cole (University of Birmingham) introduces some key aspects of education theory and policy. In the first lecture, we explore consensus theories, most notably Talcott Parson’s views on schooling as the means by which...
4 lectures
0:36:20
Dr Matthew Cole
Birmingham University
Sociology

In this course, Dr Ross Abbinnett (University of Birmingham) explores Karl Marx’s theory of society. In the first lecture, we consider Marx’s analysis of labour, its importance to humanity, and alienation from labour under capitalism. In the...
5 lectures
1:03:42
Dr Ross Abbinnett
Birmingham University
Sociology

In this course, Professor William Outhwaite (Newcastle University) explores the positivist and interpretivist approaches to social research. In the first lecture, we provide an introduction to positivism. In the second lecture, we turn to some of...
7 lectures
1:09:16
Prof. William Outhwaite
Newcastle University
Sociology

In this course, Dr Sam Shields (Newcastle University) explores the ways in which gender shapes educational experiences and attainment. In the first lecture, we think about how gender has influenced patterns of schooling historically, with a...
5 lectures
0:30:04
Dr Sam Shields
Newcastle University
Sociology

In this course, Professor Heidi Mirza (Goldsmiths, University of London) explores Black British Feminism, its history and core ideas, and its relationship to the study of education. In the first lecture, we look at the origins of the Black British...
5 lectures
0:55:13
Prof. Heidi Mirza
Goldsmiths, University of London
Sociology

In this course, Professor Martyn Hammersley (The Open University) explores the concept of objectivity within sociology and social research. In the first lecture, we think about the development of the concept from the early twentieth century and...
7 lectures
0:30:31
Prof. Martyn Hammersley
Open University
Sociology

In this course, Professor Gayle Letherby (University of Plymouth) explores ideas and methods associated with feminist social research. In the first lecture, we consider feminist critiques of traditional sociological research. In the second...
6 lectures
0:52:09
Prof. Gayle Letherby
Plymouth University
Sociology

In this course, Dr Eric Lybeck (University of Manchester) explores Marxist and critical approaches to education. In the first lecture, we consider some classical theories of education and its role in society, such as those of Karl Marx, Max Weber...
5 lectures
0:29:51
Dr Eric Lybeck
Manchester University
Sociology

In this course, Dr Shaun Best (University of Winchester) explores the role of British values in education in both sociological theory and policy. In the first lecture, we think about different theoretical perspectives on values and their role in...
5 lectures
0:28:57
Dr Shaun Best
Winchester University
Sociology

In this course, Professor Stephen Gorard (Durham University) explores the use of numerical data in education research. In the first lecture, we think about why numbers are important in sociology and whether the distinction between qualitative and...
5 lectures
1:09:07
Prof. Stephen Gorard
Durham University
Sociology

In this course, Professor Tim May (University of Sheffield) explores several different methods commonly used in social research and outlines how they are applied in practice. In the first lecture, we look at official statistics, the ways in which...
5 lectures
0:37:02
Prof. Tim May
Sheffield University