Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC1019: Contemporary Society: Themes and Perspectives

This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.

Module Aims

At a general level, the module aims to inspire a genuine engagement with topical research and scholarship by introducing students to sociological ways of seeing and explaining the modern world, its phenomena and dynamics. In doing so, it aims to instil professional values and ethical standards by helping students develop a critical understanding of various theoretical and/or methodological approaches to sociology and encouraging them to apply these in their observation, analysis and interpretation of contemporary society. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter of sociology, together with an analytical understanding of the subject, which takes into account different sociological perspectives;
2. demonstrate competence in describing and applying a variety of methods of social investigation, including ethnographic and survey methods, questionnaire and interview design;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. relate a body of knowledge to a specific context within the field of sociology;
4. think clearly and argue logically about contemporary societies;
5. express sociological ideas both in writing and verbally;
Personal and Key Skills6. undertake independent study;
7. select appropriately from a range of suggested material and present key arguments clearly; and
8. demonstrate the capacity to reflect on the perspectives and life situations of social minorities and to question taken for granted majority views.