Introductory description

This module provides a broad introduction to the human, social and political sciences, with a focus on their intersections. The human sciences focus on how people live in different social and cultural contexts, social practices, beliefs, norms, and institutions in different communities. Key aspects include culture, the shared practices, values, symbols, and knowledge that define a group of people. Social science, particularly sociology, focuses on society, social relations, and social institutions. Key aspects include social structures, socialisation, social inequality, and social change. Social scientists seek to understand and explain how inequalities based on class, race, gender, and other social categories are produced, maintained, and challenged. Political science research focuses on systems of governance, political thought, and political behaviour. Key aspects include political theory, which examines the ideas and ideologies that have influenced political systems, such as democracy, authoritarianism, liberalism, and socialism. Key concepts include justice, freedom, equality, and the role of the state. All three sciences share common theoretical foundations and overlap and inform each other. They also use the same research methods, including ethnographic research, quantitative methods, and comparative analysis. The module ensures that students gain an understanding of each science, while appreciating its interconnectedness and interdisciplinarity.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

(Inter)Disciplinary Foundations
Week 1: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Sciences
Week 2: Foundations of Human Sciences
Week 3: Foundations of Social Sciences
Week 4: Foundations of Political Science
Week 5: Intersections in Human, Social, and Political Sciences Research
Week 6: Reading Week

Culture, Identity and Society
Week 7: Culture and Identity in Glocal Contexts
Week 8: Social Stratification and Inequality
Week 9: Race, Ethnicity and Gender
Week 10: Interdisciplinary Research Methods

Institutions, Development and Social Change
Week 11: Economic Systems and Glocal Development
Week 12: Institutions and Social Change
Week 13: Political Development and Democracy

Contemporary Issues and Interdisciplinary Case Studies
Week 14: Environmental Issues and Sustainability
Week 15: Conflict, Security, and Human Rights
Week 16: Reading Week
Week 17: Artificial Intelligence and What It Means to be Human

Integration, Synthesis and Future Directions
Week 18: Predicting and Addressing Future Glocal Challenges
Week 19: Integrating Theories and Methods from Human, Social, and Political Sciences
Week 20: Review and Synthesis of Interdisciplinary Insights

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts, theories, and methods of Human, Social, and Political Sciences.
• Explain why Human, Social, and Political Sciences concepts and methods are interrelated and contribute to a holistic understanding of society.
• Identify and analyse key contemporary issues with an understanding of the underlying socio-cultural and political dimensions.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

Students reflect on how to research contemporary issues from an interdisciplinary perspective

Interdisciplinary

Interdisciplinarity is one of the the key aims of the module.

International

The module includes the study of global and local problems.

Subject specific skills

Understanding of fundamental concepts, theories, and methods of Human, Social and Political Sciences.
Understanding of interdisciplinarity and interdisciplinary research.
Ability to explain why Human, Social and Political Sciences concepts and methods are interrelated and contribute to a holistic understanding of society.
Ability to identify and analyse key contemporary issues with an understanding of the underlying socio-cultural and political dimensions.

Transferable skills

Developing own research (perspectives),

Exercise of initiative and personal responsibility,

Decision-making in complex contexts when researching societal problems.