Unit name | Goffman, the Self and Interaction |
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Unit code | SOCI30057 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Flanagan |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None. |
Co-requisites |
None. |
School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The unit constitutes an in-depth introduction to the theoretical and methodological traditions of microsociology through the influential work of Goffman on social interaction in everyday life. This provides a focus for theory and research on the self, identity and morality with special reference to modernity and the conditions of postmodernity, questions which are central to contemporary sociological debate. Of particular concern are the implications of social fragmentation and ambiguity of appearance for the construction of the social bond. Issues of trust and distrust, of the self and its ethical basis, are investigated via studies of the presentation of self and impression management in a range of settings from total institutions to restaurants.
Aims:
1 hour of lecture and 2 hours of seminars.
Formative: 2000 word essay or equivalent
Summative: 2000 word essay or equivalent
Both formative and summative essays address learning outcomes 1-4.