Introduction to Politics and Sociology

This module aims to provide students with an introduction to political science and sociology in a highly accessible way. Key ideas on the social and political processes of power and influence at the level of state, society and individual are introduced. The forces of cohesion and conflict, of identity and diversity are examined through sociological and political ideas concerning modernity, culture, religion and ?problems? that beset modern societies such as crime and inequality. This course will also provide students with a critical approach to the study of political parties and governing institutions. Case studies from the Republic of Ireland will be used to highlight key features of these. At the end of this module students will have a basic grounding in how the disciplines of sociology and political science understand and interpret complex social and political phenomena. Moreover, students will also have an insight into social and political debates highly pertinent to Ireland. This module is examined by an end of semester two hour written examination.