This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)
Module FOUD0127: STUDYING SOCIETY
Department: Foundation Year (Durham)
FOUD0127: STUDYING SOCIETY
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 0 | 10 | Available in 2012/2013 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- 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
Subject-specific Knowledge
- 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.
Subject-specific Skills
- 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.
Key Skills
- 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
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation and Reading | 70 | ||||
| Lectures | 10 | Weekly | 1 hour | 10 | Yes |
| Seminars | 10 | Weekly | 2 hours | 20 | Yes |
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 40% | Essay based on course material | 100% | ||
| Exam | 60% | Exam | 100% | resit |
Formative Assessment
Throughout the course exercises and library research will be undertaken. Comments are fed back to individuals and the group.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.