Module FOUN0177: STUDYING SOCIETY

Department: Foundation Year [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

FOUN0177: STUDYING SOCIETY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To encourage students to think sociologically.
• to stimulate 'the social imagination'.
• to introduce a bank of knowledge and a framework of skills on which students can build either in further directed study or by the process of self-study.
• to develop students' learning skills.

Content

• Introducing Sociology
• Social stratification and class
• 'Race', ethnicity and nationality
• Gender and feminism
• Methods and ethical considerations in sociological research
• Social institutions

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the knowledge to be able to:
• display an understanding of society using sociological concepts such as socialisation, culture, norms and values.
• demonstrate an awareness of differing theoretical approaches in social sciences.

• By the end of the module students will have acquired the skills to be able to:
• ask critical questions about the taken-for-granted social world which we inhabit.
• discuss a range of sociological areas (or topics) of research and the methods used to collect the data.
• discuss a range of sociological theories and concepts.

• By the end of the module students will:
• be able to communicate effectively in writing
• be able to demonstrate critical thinking skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Theory, initial concepts and research techniques will be introduced during lectures and demonstrations.
• Much of the learning, understanding and consolidation will take place through the use of structured exercises, group work, discussions and library assignments during tutorials and students' own time.
• Knowledge and understanding of concepts will be assessed by a project proposal, a report based on a research project and an exam.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Throughout the course exercises and library research will be undertaken. Comments are fed back to individuals and the group.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University