SOC10020
Level 1
Elective

Introduction to Sociology

SociologyDr Alexander Kondakov5 creditsAutumnOn campus

This module provides an introduction to sociology as both a field of study and an academic discipline. Organised around key sociological concepts, it explores fundamental aspects of human societies, including inequality, gender, power, culture, and social change. Through these themes, students will critically examine how societies function, evolve, and shape individual and collective experiences. Indicative Content of the Module: 1. What is sociology? 2. Groups and Relationships: Individual, community, and society 3. The Historical Development of Sociology 4. Difference VS inequality 5. Social construction of sexuality and gender 6. Sociological Imagination 7. Authority, power, and discipline 8. Modernity and Post-Modernity 9. Social institutions and social control 10. Culture and Values 11. Social Change 12. Nature VS society By engaging with sociological theories and methodologies, students will develop analytical tools to understand and investigate social structures, relationships, and transformations. Each week is dedicated to a central concept, such as society, inequality, or crisis, allowing for in-depth discussion and application of sociological perspectives. Whether you are new to sociology or looking to deepen your understanding, this module offers a foundational exploration of the key ideas that shape our world.

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Who teaches it

Named by students in their reviews. These ratings cover this module only, and don't count towards its overall score.

  • Alexander Kondakov
    Module coordinator

    5.0Excellent teaching2 ratings · Autumn 2023/24 – Autumn 2025/26

    Clear explanations1
    Well organised1
    Responsive to questions1

Reviews(2)

A

Anonymous Student

Sep 22, 2026

Would recommend
Worth it:Very worth itInterest:Engaging
Hours:under 4 h/wkDifficulty:Very easy
Alexander KondakovTeaching:Excellent

In practice

MCQ every two weeks. Easy enough to pass

Advice

Just look through the slides.

Autumn 2025/26
A

Anonymous Student

Aug 30, 2026

Would recommend
Worth it:Very worth itInterest:Fascinating
Hours:7–9 h/wkDifficulty:EasyPace:About right
Alexander KondakovTeaching:Excellent
Clear explanations
Well organised
Responsive to questions

Very approachable and also makes lectures engaging by adding humour into his slides

In practice

Each week, you’ll go over a topic, which would be followed by an online MCQ based on the content you’ve covered. There are also some tutorials/seminars to help with your ability to use your sociological imagination.

Advice

If you’re planning on doing more modules related to sociology, or are in a sociology related degree, going for a higher grade as opposed to just settling for a passing grade would be better since it will help with setting a strong foundation for your understanding of sociology

Assessment & grading

Bulk of the grade comes from MCQs. For the final exam, it was graded fairly enough. Not too harsh but not too laid back either

Content & usefulness

A very good and engaging way to start learning about sociology. Having a good enough understanding of the topics covered will help a lot when going into other sociology related modules.

Autumn 2023/24
Textbook required