FP083-30 Foundations of Social Sciences
Introductory description
This module introduces students to the study of society through key concepts, theories, and contemporary themes. Students will learn to think critically about everyday life and explore issues such as education, health, gender, ethnicity, food, and sport. The module equips students with the “toolkit” of a social scientist as a set of conceptual and analytical skills that enable students to question assumptions, interpret evidence, and critically explain real-world social issues. By the end of the module, students will be able to apply social science perspectives to explain contemporary societal issues and demonstrate critical thinking skills that prepare them for a wide range of social science degrees.
Module aims
This module aims to introduce students to the discipline of social sciences. By interacting with key concepts, influential theories, and contemporary social themes, this module equips students with the ‘toolkit’ of a social scientist and the ability to critically analyse a variety of complex societal phenomena and events in the world surrounding us. Students will learn to think critically about the world around them and begin seeing society through a social scientific lens. The module will engage students to apply their discussions on contemporary themes of education, food, gender, health, ethnicity, and sport. In doing so, the module supports the development of core academic skills and progresses students successfully to a broad range of social science undergraduate studies. We aim to assess students in innovative and creative ways that are popular as forms of assessment at undergraduate level and introduce greater variety of assessment methods into the social science course.
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.
The module will be divided into four units of varying lengths.
Unit 1 - The Social Science 'Toolkit': Social science approaches
Unit 2 - Contemporary Social Issue: Social science approaches to food
Unit 3 - Contemporary Social Issue: Social science approaches to sport
Unit 4 - Contemporary Social Issue: Social science approaches to ethnicity and migration
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Identify key concepts, theories and approaches of social sciences to explain and address a variety of contemporary social issues and themes.
- Compare and contrast critical perspectives in social phenomena derived from different theoretical standpoints of social sciences.
- Critically apply and develop explanations and solutions to contemporary social issues using a selection of media formats.
- Develop social sciences relevant skills of critical analysis, evidence-based reasoning and conceptual understanding that are essential for progression to a broad range of social science disciplines.
- Apply academic skills of public speaking, research (including information retrieval, analysis and interpretation), and a range of practical skills including teamwork and problem solving.
Indicative reading list
Reading lists can be found in Talis
Specific reading list for the module
Interdisciplinary
Students will have opportunities to draw on knowledge and skills acquired within the different modules on their pathway.
International
All students are international, representing a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds. They bring diverse experiences and perspectives, enriching discussion and supporting the development of intercultural awareness. Examples for analysis and evaluation are drawn from a variety of countries, ensuring that teaching and learning are embedded in an international context.
Subject specific skills
By the end of this module, students will develop major skills of social sciences in:
- Understanding key social science concepts, theories and themes
- Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world issues
- Analysing contemporary social themes and phenomena critically
- Comparing theoretical perspectives in social problems
- Communicating ideas using diverse formats, including essay, blog, and podcast
- Interpreting basic social data and trends
Transferable skills
By the end of this module, students will learn the following transferable skills for future studies:
- Thinking critically and questioning assumptions
- Communicating ideas confidently in academic contexts
- Working effectively in groups and value diverse views
- Managing time, tasks, and independent learning
- Solving problems using diverse approaches
- Using digital tools for research
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Seminars | 25 sessions of 4 hours (33%) |
| Private study | 140 hours (47%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (20%) |
| Total | 300 hours |
Private study description
Students are expected to engage in regular reading, reflection and independent research to prepare for discussions and complete assessments on contemporary social themes.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Individual Blog Post | 20% | 12 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Students will write an informative and interesting blog post on a food-related social science topic, in which they are expected to outline and apply the perspectives of at least two social science disciplines on the topic. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Film Project | 40% | 24 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Students will plan and create a five minute film project that explores a complex contemporary |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Case Study | 40% | 24 hours | Yes (extension) |
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Students will respond to a question related to a specified contemporary case. Students must critically consider the question and present evidence and perspectives from a range of social science disciplines to inform their answer. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on Tabula
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.