Module description
Social science is the study or the science of societies. The social sciences examine what it means to be a social being, ranging from the minutiae of human behaviour and brain functions, to large scale social movements, demographics, economics and politics.
In this module we will study how human behaviour can be understood and what is it exactly that makes people behave the way they do and interact with one another in society in different settings and in different social contexts; such as in public and in private, among family and friends, and paid and unpaid work. In a nutshell, the module will increase our understanding of societies. While we focus on the global context, you will also become more familiar with British society and British culture and this increased understanding will make it easier for you to get on in your undergraduate degree.
Assessment details
Coursework 60%; Final exam 40%
Educational aims & objectives
- to provide you with an understanding of the main approaches within the social sciences
- to develop a familiarity with key social sciences and essential concepts within them
- to ensure familiarity with some of the main sources of information for the study of social sciences
- to enable students to understand how debates within the social sciences can inform policy
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, you will be able to demonstrate the intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to this level of module and in particular will be able to:
- understand key terms, ideas and concepts within the social sciences
- engage with thought within a number of disciplines within the social sciences
- distinguish between fact and opinion, between what is relevant and what is not and between opposing views based upon conflicting evidence
- research a topic, extract and synthesise information from a range of written and spoken sources, and formulate a response
- analyse and critically assess information from a variety of texts and come to an informed conclusion with limited guidance
- understand lectures in English and actively participate in seminars
- master the skills of independent learning and time management
- demonstrate increased experience of working creatively and flexibly as part of an academic group
- demonstrate appropriate linguistic skills in defined and predictable contexts.