Overview

This module introduces students to Sociology. The module runs over Semester One, giving students a comprehensive sociological foundation to some of the key sociological issues and debates. It aims to provide an overview of fundamental theories and topics within the history of sociology, as well as contemporary questions and approaches. Adopting a sociological perspective, the course will look at issues such as social and personal identity, inequalities, health, the family, crime, and education.

The module will include, but will not be limited to, the following aspects of social sciences: - The nature of social sciences and relations between key disciplines and methods - Interaction and communication - Life course and the family - Gender and socialization - Culture and media - Social stratification, education and work - Organizations and institutions (the politics of welfare) - Globalization - The environment and urbanization - Political sociology and social movements.

This module introduces students to Sociology. The module runs over Semester One, giving students a comprehensive sociological foundation to some of the key sociological issues and debates.

The module will include, but will not be limited to, the following aspects of social sciences:

Semester 1  The nature of social sciences and relations between key disciplines and methods  Interaction and communication  Life course and the family  Gender and socialization  Culture and media  Social stratification, education and work  Organizations and institutions (the politics of welfare)  Globalization  The environment and urbanization  Political sociology and social movements.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold = D- to D+. Students will show a very basic understanding of sociological perspectives on society, social institutions, culture, identity and social interaction and will have only done a minimum of reading and research, relying too heavily on basic text books and lecture notes and poor sources. their work will be lacking critical or analytical analysis, and contextual understanding and structure and coherence is likely to be weak.Students in the higher band of C- to C+ must demonstrate some ability to critically evaluate academic text; show an ability to engage with the topic in a factual, evidence-based way; presenting their work logically and clearly.

Good = B- to B+. Students must demonstrate the ability to examine and evaluate a range of academic texts; demonstrate a substantial understanding of sociological perspectives on society, social institutions, culture, identity and social interaction, using a range of sources; to demonstrate the ability to summarize some of the main theoretical perspectives; to present their work in a logical, evidenced-based and clear manner.

Excellent = A- to A*. Students must demonstrate an exceptional understanding of sociological perspectives on society, social institutions, culture, identity and social interaction; use a range of sources; must demonstrate the ability to examine and critically evaluate a wide range of academic texts; present their arguments in a logical, evidence-based and well communicated manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of social continuities, change and diversity.

• Discuss ways in which social life is ordered and shaped in the context of culture, social identities and social interaction.

• Identify and apply key theories and concepts in Sociology.

• Understand the origins and development of social institutions in contemporary society.