module specification

IF3059 - Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Social Issues in Context: Text to Essay
Module level Foundation (03)
Credit rating for module 15
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 150
 
36 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
9 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
105 hours Guided independent study
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   Essay-based written assignment (1000 - 1500 words)
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
No instances running in the year

Module summary

This module aims to:

- Improve academic literacy through essay writing and feedback in the context of Social Science and Humanities debates
- Develop critical analysis and evaluation of academic source material
- Select and integrate source material appropriately in academic writing
- Develop students’ voice in academic writing
- Integrate reflective practice throughout the essay writing process
- Further develop organisational, planning and time management skills
- Guide students to constructively use feedback to improve academic work

Syllabus

The syllabus will introduce students to a variety of academic texts and resources relevant to given essay titles in Social Sciences and Humanities. It will guide them in the deconstruction and critical analysis of these sources and help them develop their own arguments in response to the essay questions based on this understanding. Students will learn how to appropriately integrate and reference source material in their essays. Students will be guided through the process of researching, planning, drafting and proofreading their essays. There will also be continuous development of appropriate academic discourse.

Continuous formative feedback, reflection on and improvement of own work will be a key aspect of the syllabus. This will be structured around guided development of students’ own essay, through which the module will be assessed.

Learning Outcomes LO1 - LO3

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The module is delivered mainly through participatory seminars. Class work will include group and pair discussion.  There will also be blended learning weeks with digital tasks to support reading, and individual tutorials to support essay writing. Students will be required to reflect upon progress and develop work through formative feedback (60 hrs).

Students will also engage in ongoing self-directed study to enable them to complete required assessment components (90 hrs).

Module information including module booklet, timetable, classnotes, video links, assessment details and learning resources will be available on Weblearn.  Students are encouraged to produce drafts and engage with continuous formative feedback.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Write an effective discursive academic essay in the Social Sciences. 
2. Critically read and select appropriate evidence from academic sources to integrate into essay argumentation, using appropriate referencing.
3. Plan, draft, edit and improve an academic essay in response to feedback

Bibliography

Core Text:
Ellis, T and Savage, S (2012) Debates in Criminal Justice, London: Routledge
Moore, S, Chapman, S, Aiken D (2009) Sociology A2 for AQA, London: Harper Collins

Other Texts:

Moore, S, Chapman, S, Aiken D (2009) Sociology AS for AQA, London: Harper Collins
Redman, P and Maples, W (2011) Good essay writing: a social sciences guide, London: Sage