Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Using Foucault's Methods
Code SOCI538
Coordinator Dr N Vitellone
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
N.Vitellone@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 10

Aims

• To introduce students to Foucault’s use of history as a method

• To demonstrate the use of Foucault’s method of discourse as an effective tool of social inquiry

• To provide an introduction to Foucault’s method in relation to his work on sexuality, discipline and docile bodies as an example of the sociological imagination

• To understand how, when and why Foucault’s methods have been taken up in the social sciences.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To demonstrate a systemic understanding of Foucault’s use of history as a method

(LO2) To demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the role of problematisation in addressing the relations between discourse and context, discourse and power and discourse and interaction

(LO3) To explain the link between Foucault’s method and the study of culture and society

(LO4) To apply Foucault’s methods to social research and social inquiry in the social sciences

(S1) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Creative thinking

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

Syllabus
 

Each of these themes is taught across the following topics that are addressed in lectures and seminars:

1. Using Foucault’s Methods: A Users’ Guide

2. Doing Foucault’s Method

3. Applying Foucault’s Method

4. Foucault’s Methods and the Sociological Imagination

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Seminar
Description: Students will be required to read key case studies and discuss the effect and consequence of using Foucault's methods of social inquiring

The module will be delivered over two consecutive days (5 hours on day one and 5 hours on day two).
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours   10

         10
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 40
TOTAL HOURS 50

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2nd Semester  0    100       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.