UDSCLOGY - BSc Sociology

Sociology, as a discipline, lends itself to a variety of teaching and learning styles and these are, in turn, reflected in the variety of delivery and assessment tools employed throughout the course. Traditional lectures, seminars and presentations are supplemented by group work and case-study approaches. Seminars and workshops are the main vehicle for cognitive development. Seminar work involves a large element of student choice and self-management. Active learning involves students in making decisions about what they explore (within the parameters of the module) and how they do it.

Teaching methods are tailored to key aspects of the learning situation such as content, task and learner characteristics. In common with the ethos and practice of the faculty, the teaching and learning methods used to deliver the course aims are varied. There is an emphasis upon the link between teaching and research so that staff research provides the basis for teaching on a range of modules.

Supplemented by guided learning and workbooks with exercises are used – available through the VLE.

The course integrates face-to-face with online learning at all levels. All modules also use Weblearn/Blackboard to provide key information and learning resources. Advanced use of VLE on the course includes online tests and assessment, discussions, and feedback.

The overall aims of the Sociology course are to:

• (A1) develop the social experience, interests and understanding of students coming from a diversity of educational, ethnic and social backgrounds.
• (A2) fulfil the role of providing for those who choose to study the discipline for their own intellectual and personal development.
• (A3) provide an appropriate education and training for students wishing to pursue careers in social and public policy-related fields in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
• (A4) equip and prepare students with practical and transferable skills for research in the ‘real world’ by providing modules which address multi-disciplinary concerns and are directly relevant to a variety of public issues.

The following learning outcomes (LO) incorporate and depend on systematic understanding of the key aspects of the knowledge base of Sociology, including a coherent and detailed knowledge of some specialist areas in depth.

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

(LO1) deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Sociology;

(LO2) devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Sociology;

(LO3) describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship, in Sociology, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge;

(LO4) manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Sociology;

(LO5) apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects;

(LO6) critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions - to a problem;

(LO7) communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences;

(LO8) exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts;

(LO9) undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

(LO1) deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within Sociology:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4005 Social Change (I)
SS4008 Sociological imagination (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5006 Racism and Ethnicity (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS5054 Social Networking and Virtual Worlds
(P)
SS6003 Global Cities (P)
SS6051 Religion and Social Science (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)

(LO2) devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and
techniques, some of which are at the forefront of Sociology:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4008 Sociological Imagination (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS5053 London: Social Trends and Issues (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6053 Visual Sociology (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)

(LO3) describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent
advanced scholarship, in Sociology, recognising the uncertainty, ambiguity and
limits of knowledge:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4005 Social Change (I)
SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS4008 Sociological imagination (I)
SS5001 Global Social Divisions (P)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS5057 Unequal Cities (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6055 Political Sociology (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)

(LO4) manage their own learning, and to make use of scholarly reviews and primary
sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to Sociology:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4005 Social Change (I)
SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS5001 Global Social Divisions (P)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS5005 Youth, Resistance and Social Control
(P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)

(LO5) apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate,
extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out:

projects
SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6052 Research Analysis Strategies Using IT
(A)
SS6054 Human Rights and Conflict (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (P)

(LO6) critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data
(that may be incomplete), to make judgements, and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution - or identify a range of solutions to a problem:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4005 Social Change (I)
SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS5001 Global Social Divisions (P)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS5052 Environmental Policy (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)

(LO7) communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4005 Social Change (I)
SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS5001 Global Social Divisions (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)

(LO8) exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including decision-making in
complex and unpredictable contexts:

SS4005 Social Change (I)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS5008 Self & Society (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (A)

(LO9) undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature:

SS4004 Researching Social Life (I)
SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues (I)
SS5001 Global Social Divisions (P)
SS5003 Interactive Research Methods (P)
SS6002 Living Theory (I)
SS6W52 Sociology Placement (A)
SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation (A)

Sociology

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/Sociology07.pdf

Sociology, as a discipline, lends itself to a variety of teaching and learning styles and these are, in turn, reflected in the variety of assessment tools employed throughout the course. Within the general principle of mixed mode assessment can be found a diversity of instruments: seen and unseen examinations, short answer papers, practical reports and reviews, case studies, group assessment projects, seminar presentations and essays. Transferable skills have been embedded in the learning outcomes of the core modules. They have been mapped to ensure that they are assessed at every level.

The Sociology Placement - is a designate module available to students entering their 3rd year. It is usually undertaken over the summer period – between 2nd and 3rd year.

There will be opportunities for students to study for part of their degree in another European country. ERASMUS is part of the European Union SOCRATES programme for cooperation in the field of education. Under ERASMUS the University has student exchange agreements with 16 different European countries.

N/A

SS4004 Researching Social Life

SS4005 Social Change

SS4007 Social Problems & Social Issues

SS4008 Sociological imagination

SS5001 Global Social Divisions

SS5003 Interactive Research Methods

SS5008 Self & Society

SS6002 Living Theory

SS6P02 Sociology Dissertation

Successful completion of this course offers improved career opportunities in social research and the public services. Other graduates apply their social research techniques to a range of private sector jobs.

The programme is also excellent preparation for further research or study.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or above, or Higher Diploma (or equivalent) and
• 280 UCAS points from three or more A levels (e.g. BBC) or
• 320 UCAS points from a BTEC National (e.g. DDM)

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

These requirements may be varied in individual cases. Applications are welcome from mature students who have passed appropriate Access or other preparatory courses or have appropriate work experience.