Sociology


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Sociology

Functionalism

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

Modernity and Postmodernity

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

Educational Attainment and Inequality

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

Education Theory and Policy

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

Marxist Social Theory

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

Positivism and Interpretivism in Social Research

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

Education and Gender

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

Black British Feminism and Education

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

Objectivity in Social Research

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

Feminist Social Research Methods

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

Marxist and Critical Approaches to Education

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

Education and British Values

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

Quantitative Methods in Education Research

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

Social Research: Methods

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

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