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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Understanding Social Change
Module Code LC114
School SALIS
Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This module critically examines the multi-faceted aspects of social change in contemporary Ireland. It examines transformations in society with particular reference to the media and globalisation. It explores the implications of uncertainty, risk and change in a global (and local) context. It explores approaches to social issues through different perspectives such as feminism or rights-based approaches.

Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and evaluate the key drivers behind social change.
2. Review, appraise and interpret key literature relating to social change.
3. Evaluate the roles that economic development and politics play in social change.
4. Evaluate the roles social class, gender and sexuality play in social change.
5. Review, appraise and interpret the role media play in social change.
6. Review, appraise and interpret the effects of globalisation on social change.
7. Identify and articulate the use of social change as means of political communication / political empowerment.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24No Description
Seminars24Oral Presentation
Assignment22Essay
Independent learning time180Reading & Research
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
The idea of 'reflexive modernisation' and 'detraditionalisation' (Beck and Giddens) as a new phase of 'modernity'..
The shrinking of global time-space and its effect on change at local level - globalisation and culture..

Consumer capitalism and cultural change - the erosion of citizenship?.
Mass media and popular culture: advertising and consumer spectacle..

Globalisation and socio-economic development: the `Celtic Tiger' and its social effects..
International migration and the new communities: the challenges of interculturalism..

The risk society: crime, the environment, food, health..
Risk and uncertainty in the face of hazards created by new, large-scale industrial technologies and advances in scientific knowledge..

Case study: perceptions of climate change..
The concept of power in understanding society: power and the ordering of our lives..

Democracy and the crisis in political communication..
'Expert' opinion and the problem of trust..

Ideology and hegemony: manufacturing consent..
Between government and market: Subcultures and interpretive communities..

New social movements and cultural change; feminist, peace, environmental, human rights, gay and lesbian, anti-racism..
'Community' and other forms of alternative media, and alternative uses of the Internet..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayCritical analysis on a chosen topic80%Sem 1 End
Performance evaluationAttendance10%Every Week
Oral presentationsSeminar Presentation10%Once per semester
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Share, P. & Corcoran, P.: 2010, Ireland of the Illusions, IPA, Dublin,
  • O'Toole, F.: 2009, Ship of Fools, Penguin, Dublin,
  • Fanning, B. (ed): 2007, Immigration and Social Change in Ireland, MUP, Manchester,
  • Smith, N.: 2005, Showcasing Globalisation? The Political Economy of the Irish Republic, MUP, Manchester,
  • Peillon, M. & Corcoran, M.: 2004, Place and Non-Place: the Reconfiguration of Ireland, IPA, Dublin,
  • Bacik, I.: 2004, Kicking & Screaming: Dragging Ireland into the 21st Century, O'Brien Press, Dublin,
  • Shirato, T. & Webb, J.: 2003, Understanding Globalisation, Sage, London,
  • O'Toole, F.: 2003, After the Ball, New Island Press, Dublin,
  • Coulter, C. & Colman, C.: 2003, The End of Irish History: Critical Approaches to the Celtic Tiger, MUP, Manchester,
  • Fanning, B.: 2002, Racism and Social Change in the Republic of Ireland, MUP, Manchester,
  • Kirby, P. et al.: 2002, Reinventing Ireland, Pluto, London,
  • Giddens, A.: 2002, Runaway World: How Globalisation is Reshaping our Lives, Profile Press, London,
  • Storey, J.: 1998, Cultural Theory and Popular Culture, Prentice Hall, New York,
  • Giddens, A.: 1991, The Consequences of Modernity, Polity, Cambridge,
  • Melucci, A.: 1989, Nomads of the Present: Social Movements and Individual Needs in Contemporary Society, Temple University Press, Philadelphia,
Other Resources
None
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
CCSBA in Contemporary Culture and Society
IFCCSInt Foundation Cert (BA Contemp Culture)
Timetable this semester: Timetable for LC114
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