module specification

This module explores introductory ideas around the themes of self and society, in order to:
- introduce students to academic study in the Social Sciences and Humanities at H.E level
- encourage students to reflect on their own identities, as well as their skills and qualities and how they might further develop them through their H.E studies
- introduce and develop academic literacy, critical thinking and analytical skills through engagement with and production of a range of short Social Science and Humanities themed texts
- introduce reflective practice and support students to become effective, self-aware learners
- introduce and develop digital literacy skills
- develop organisational, planning and time management skills
- guide students to constructively use feedback to improve academic work

The syllabus will encourage students to reflect on the themes of self and society, including reflection on their own identity and skills in relation to Higher Education. Students will engage with a variety of introductory texts in Social Sciences and Humanities and produce their own short texts in response, with some flexibility to tailor to their own interests.  They will be supported in understanding and developing their academic discourse. Examples of different digital media will be integrated, where appropriate, in the teaching and learning and students will use these to produce their own texts. 
Continuous formative feedback and reflection on learning will be a key aspect of the syllabus. This will be structured around guided development of students’ own reflective portfolio, through which the module will be assessed.

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO3

The module is delivered mainly through participatory group seminars to support assessed task preparation, as well as blended learning material via Weblearn and individual tutorials to enable reflection on progress and develop work through formative feedback (approx 45 hrs).
Students will also engage in ongoing self-directed study to enable them to complete required assessment components (105 hrs).
Module information including module booklet, schedule, class materials, learning resources and assessment details will be available on Weblearn.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Critically engage with a range of introductory texts (written, spoken, visual and digital) exploring aspects of self, the individual and society.
2. Produce a range of short texts exploring aspects of self and society and improve own written work in response to feedback
3. Demonstrate self-awareness through reflection on own learning in order to more effectively manage future independent learning in Higher Education.

Formative assessment will take place throughout the module.
Summative assessment will consist of:
- A reflective written portfolio (100%)

Most resources will be given in class or via Weblearn, but the following will also be of use:

Burns, T and Sinfield, S (2016) Essential Study Skills: The complete guide to success at university, London: Sage
Colling, J, Watton, P and Moon, J (2001) Reflective Writing: guidance notes for students, Exeter: University of Exeter
Giddens, A and Sutton, P (2017) Sociology, Cambridge: Polity
Moore, S, Chapman, S and Aiken, D (2009) Sociology AS for AQA, London: Collins
Moore, S, Chapman, S and Aiken, D (2009) Sociology A2 for AQA, London: Collins

The Guardian [online] https://www.theguardian.com/uk
Ted.com https://www.ted.com