Seminar Two: Classical modernity & late modernity

Defining ‘modernity’

How would we define ‘modernity’? As we have seen, when glimpsing the nature of sociological thinking, sociology concerns itself with relations, so when attempting to define ‘modernity’ we should ask what type of relations or characteristics made ‘modernity’ distinct? By setting out the topic like this we could, in turn, identify if we live in a post-modern condition, or instead, as some theorists would argue, a late or second modernity.

Recommended website for sociology essay writing

The website below, by Monash University,  offers a breakdown and an online tutorial on writings essay for sociology. The tutorial also contains exercises and online quizzes which are also useful. Give it a go! Strongly recommended.

 http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/arts/sociology/index.xml

Acrobat Reader

Many of the reading materials will be posted as PDF files, which requires Acrobat Reader to be viewed. To view these files please download Acrobat Reader first, which can be downloaded from here ….

Karl Marx – Mark Steel Lectures

A light hearted series of lectures on Karl Marx, by comedian Marx Steel (Part 1/5):

Also see (or listen!) to parts 2/5, 3/5, 4/5, 5/5

The Individual and Society in Modernity

An interesting presentation on the individual and society in modernity. The presentation is part of a longer series entitled ‘Marxism 101′

Seminar One: Introduction to ‘Modern Societies’

Studying for a degree can be a new learning experience, before this stage many students were more than likely dependent on feedback from their teachers and tutors, contact was frequent and students were expected to practice and develop for an examination through guided tutoring. In a degree it is the student who should take the initiative, tutoring and lectures play a complimentary role. As contact is less frequent it’s a good idea to make the most of it, whether it be in the lecture room, meetings with a tutor or through seminars.  Remember, attending lectures or seminars is not just about meeting an assessment criteria! Lectures give useful guidelines for you to further read into, while seminars engage us with the material in tandem dialogue.