SS5152 - Society at the End of Days (2024/25)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2024/25 | ||||||||
| Module title | Society at the End of Days | ||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||
| School | School of Social Sciences and Professions | ||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2024/25(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
Many are those who fear that the end of the world and/or life as we know it is nigh. But what is meant by this, what is driving these views, and what impact does the spectre of society’s end have on us today, or should? In this module we will explore several versions of ‘end times’, such as: religious stories of apocalypse; the threat of catastrophic nuclear war (‘mutually assured destruction’); climate devastation via global warming; the ascendency of ‘artificial intelligence’; philosophical nihilism and socio-political theories about the ‘end of history’. Our aim will be to see what can be learnt by investigating how humans have variably imagined the end(s) of society – a pastime that has become increasingly prevalent since the Covid-19 pandemic. What do these stories and theories tell us about ourselves, about our hopes/fears for the future and what we hold sacred? What actions do they prompt – or perhaps more worryingly fail to – and why?
Prior learning requirements
None
Available for Study Abroad? YES
Syllabus
Subject areas in this module may include:
● Religious and secular stories of apocalypse.
● Living with and responding to the threat of nuclear war destruction.
● Living with and responding to the threat of climate devastation.
● The capacity of technology to change and potential end life as we know it.
● Theories of philosophical nihilism.
● Socio-political theories about the ‘end of history’.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
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 School, the teaching and learning methods used to achieve the module’s learning objectives are varied. Delivery of the module will occur through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. The lecture programme provides the framework for knowledge learnt through the course of the module, with seminars and workshops providing a forum for active student participation to deepen and expand learning. Students are expected to complement formal teaching with self-directed reading (with the aid of reading lists) and the completion of specified assignments. The module will also promote, and rely on, the student’s self-management and proactive approach to their learning.
There is an emphasis upon the link between teaching and research so that research by staff provides informs the teaching on some topics covered in the module, resulting in research-led teaching. The module will be supported with Weblearn pages where all relevant teaching materials can be accessed, including audio/visual material, notes, presentation slides and literature.
Learning outcomes
After studying this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate comparative knowledge and understanding of various accounts and theories of ‘end times’.
2. Think critically about what underpins various accounts and theories of ‘end times’, and the effects they have on shaping society.
3. Apply knowledge gained to the critical analysis of contemporary society.
4. Develop effective written and verbal communication skills.
5. Engage in dialogue and debate on sociological issues whilst acknowledging and respecting a diversity of values and world views.
Assessment strategy
Assessment (formative, Pass/Fail): Oral presentation (10 min)
Assessment (summative, 100%): Essay (2500 words)
The assessment chosen for this module aims to develop the core verbal and written communication skills of students – both of which will be crucial for the success of students in the remainder of their studies and beyond.