Course Catalogue

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This course introduces students to the discipline of sociology, assuming little or no prior knowledge of the discipline and with a view to providing a basis for Sociology Level 1B, Sociology Levels 2A and 2B and Joint or Single Honours in Sociology. Drawing on a wide range of examples, it introduces students to some of the key concepts, theories and research methods sociologists use to understand the nature of contemporary societies, the relationship between the individual and society, and processes of social reproduction and change.

The timetable will be as follows: (1) two lectures per week (Mondays and Tuesdays, 12-12.50pm) and (2) a weekly tutorial (10 in total, timeslots scheduled throughout the week, one hour).

Only open to Level 1 students.

None, except that this course replaces the previous Sociology and Anthropology Level 1A course [LTCU 20 credits].

This course has no co-requisites. However, in order to enter Sociology Honours, students are required to complete both this course and Sociology Level 1B (achieving an overall grade of 'D' or higher), plus Sociology Level 2A and Sociology Level 2B. Occasionally, at the discretion of the Head of Subject, students may be admitted to Honours whose qualifications are deemed to be equivalent to these.

Summative assessment is based on the submission of one 1,500-word essay (65%), and an online exam in which students answer one question from a paper released 10 days prior to the exam date (35%) The essay question is chosen from a list provided in the Course Guide. The examination asks students to answer one question from a list. Students may not answer a question relating to the same section of the course as the one from which they chose their coursework essay.

1. To introduce students to the discipline of sociology, assuming little or no prior knowledge of the discipline and with a view to providing a basis for Sociology Level 1B, Sociology Levels 2A and 2B and Joint or Single Honours in Sociology.

2. To introduce students to some of the key concepts sociologists use to understand the nature of contemporary societies and processes of social reproduction and change.

3. To enable students to begin to 'think sociologically' about themselves, their experiences and their own place in society.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. describe and examine a range of key concepts and theoretical approaches within sociology and evaluate their application ;

2. summarise and explain the findings of empirical sociological research, including a critical assessment of the methodological frameworks used ;

3. evaluate the relationship between sociological arguments and evidence in a range of contexts ;

4. draw on evidence from a range of appropriate sociological sources and demonstrate an ability to synthesise them ;

5. evaluate competing explanations and draw reasoned conclusions.

The course will also develop students' transferable/key skills, valuable in relation to personal development and employability, including:

• oral communication skills;

• written communication skills;

• numeracy skills;

• information retrieval and research skills;

• interpersonal skills;

• forward planning;

• time management;

• IT Skills in web use and word processing.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. The attendance requirements are as stated in the University's Student Absence Policy.