B.Sc. Sociology with Drama

Students taking Sociology as their Major study 4 modules in Sociology at each level, covering theory, methods and topics. In addition, students study 2 modules at each level in their Minor subject.
At the first level (year one for full-time students), students are encouraged to think sociologically about society. In the introductory module, issues explored include: disability, gender, class, the family, crime, ethnicity, world poverty and religion. In a more locally-focused module, students look at the island of Ireland, covering such issues as peace and conflict, identity, immigration, family, racism, economic change and the similarities and differences between “North” and “South”.
At the second level (year two for full-time students), cross-cultural sociology is offered, which has a particular focus on society in non-industrial regions. Topics covered include gift-giving, symbolism, hunter-gatherer economies, witchcraft, non-centralised political systems and adoption.

At the final level (year three for full-time students), students select from a range of options. Currently, these are: "Genocide", “Africa in Transition”, "Sociology of the Media", "Mind, Body and Society" and "Northern Ireland: Culture, Heritage and Identity". Options may vary over time.

Throughout the programme, there is a study of sociological theory, from Marxism to Feminism and Postmodernism. There is also thorough, hands-on teaching of research methods (including the use of computerised data analysis) and an exploration of the philosophy, ethics and politics of research.

Students have the opportunity to practise qualitative and quantitative techniques in mini-research projects from the very outset of the programme. This is reinforced at level two and at the start of level three. Students can then pursue their own choice of research project in the dissertation module. Recent dissertation projects have included:
• Changing identities in fishing communities in Inishowen
• Representations of the women’s bodies in the media.
• Analysis of attitudes towards urban homelessness.
• A critical exploration of “developing country” debt.
Modules offered on the Major

First Level
Introduction to Sociology
Social Structures of Modern Ireland
Classical Sociological Perspectives
Sociological Perspectives on Contemporary Issues
Second Level
Cross-cultural Perspectives on Society
Contemporary Sociological Theory
Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods

Third Level
Research Methodology, Ethics & Politics
Dissertation
TWO further options from: Africa in Transition; Sociology of the Media; Genocide; Northern Ireland: Cultural Heritage, Identity and Society; Mind, Body and Society. Options may vary over time.

Drama as a Minor at Magee

Students take Issues in Performance modules in Years 1, 2 and 3. They also take Arts Administration in Year 2. In Year 3, students taking Drama as their Minor subject may choose an optional module from among: Avant Garde Performance, Working Class Performance, North American Theatre, Performing Community, and Storytelling and Performance. Normally, a selection of these modules will be available in any given year.