Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module FOUD01C7: Concepts, Methods & Theories in the Social Sciences 1

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD01C7: Concepts, Methods & Theories in the Social Sciences 1

Type Open Level 0 Credits 10 Availability Not available in 2021/22 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce a range of concepts, methods and theories relevant to a range of social science degree progression routes
  • To introduce key theories, ideas and philosophies
  • To introduce primary source materials alongside relevant critical work, which locates these sources in their sociological contexts as well as within a body of academic scholarship
  • To introduce critical thinking by describing, analysing and evaluating relevant primary source materials
  • To introduce the ability to communicate these concepts, methods and theories successfully
  • To encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative studentship

Content

  • An introduction to the Social Sciences and how they intersect
  • Concepts, methods and theories from the Social Sciences
  • Research Methods in the Social Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the programme students will have:
  • 1. Knowledge of a range of foundational subject concepts
  • 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant research methods
  • 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the programme students will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of foundational subject concepts
  • 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant research methods
  • 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the programme students will be able to:
  • 1. Demonstrate critical thinking
  • 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles
  • 3. Demonstrate appropriate use of number
  • 4. Demonstrate the use of appropriate sources of evidence

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

  • This module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and seminars/tutorials on a weekly basis. Students will be taught concepts and then challenged to apply them in a variety of contextual tasks that are designed to lead to achieving the module outcomes.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lecture and Tutorial 10 weekly 2.5 hours 25
Preparation & Reading 75

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Plan Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay Plan 100% Yes
Component: Essay Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 100% yes

Formative Assessment:

A range of formative tasks are used on a weekly basis to enable the demonstration of working towards module outcomes and building competency towards each respective summative assessment method


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