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Introduction to the Social Sciences - CED00174C

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  • Department: Centre for Lifelong Learning
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2022-23

Module aims

The module is designed for students who wish to learn more about how society works and their place within it. The module aims to introduce the Social Sciences, its disciplines and their role in understanding contemporary society. During the module, students will become familiar with ways of thinking and using conceptual tools to facilitate critical engagement with the study of society and its social issues. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of society through topic areas such as the Family, Culture, Socialisation, the Economy, Politics and Government and Globalisation. Students will also analyse case studies and will become aware of the interconnectedness, complexity and changes in society. Throughout the study of the module, the emphasis will be on the UK society, but students will be given the opportunity to study and make comparisons with societies across the globe.

Module learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • To develop knowledge and understanding of the: module content, key ideas, theories and concepts in the social sciences
  • To be able to examine, analyse, criticise and question content and issues in the social sciences
  • Demonstrate understanding of approaches to, and methods used in social sciences
  • Apply inter-disciplinary perspectives to the analysis of social issues in the real world
  • Become confident to discuss and debate issues in social sciences and contemporary events in the UK, Europe and the wider world.
  • As well as building knowledge and understanding of the social sciences, students will be encouraged to discuss, debate and develop skills of critical analysis and academic writing in preparation for degree level study
  • Study independently and become an effective self-directed learners
  • Study and collaborate as part of a group
  • Use and interpret information and data
  • Compare and critically evaluate arguments and evidence, and reach evaluative conclusions
  • Interpret, analyse, organise and present information in an informative and meaningful way, both orally and in writing.
  • Develop the skill of academic writing with an awareness of UK academic conventions in readiness for undergraduate study.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

The tutor will give regular individual verbal and written feedback throughout the module on work submitted.

The assessment feedback is as per the university’s guidelines with regard to timings.

Indicative reading

  • Macionis.J (2013), Sociology, Pearson

  • Cottrell, S. Critical Thinking Skills, Palgrave MacMillan.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.