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Foundation course: Sociology Page 1 of 2

Course information 2014-15FP0006 Foundation Course: Sociology

This is the foundation course on which subsequent, university level Sociology courses are

based. This course offers a broad introduction to Sociology, its key thinkers, concepts and

research areas.

PrerequisitesNone apply.

Aims and objectivesThis major aims of this course are to:

provide an introduction to Sociology as asocial scientific discipline, its history, keycontributors and methodology

consider key ways in which sociologicalknowledge can be applied to real-lifecontexts

provide tools that support students incritical thinking and argumentation

Essential readingThe course will supplement the on-line studyguide with excerpts from a range of sourcesas appropriate to the stage of the course.These include excerpts from textbooks, mediatexts and various on-line resources. Excerptsare drawn from the following textbooks:

Browne, K. (20013) Sociology for AS AQA. 4th

ed.Cambridge: Polity Press

Giddens. A. and Sutton, P. W. (2013) SociologyCambridge: Polity Press.

Learning outcomesAt the end of this course, and havingcompleted the essential reading and activities,students should be able to:

Identify and explain key concepts, theoriesand methodological approaches used inSociology

Apply Sociological theories and models toreal-life issues covered in the course

Contrast different approaches to the sameSociological phenomenon in terms of the

evidentiary basis on which claims aremade

AssessmentThis course is assessed by a two-hour unseenwritten examination.

Students should consult the Programme Specification and Regulations for the International Foundation Programme that are reviewedannually. All course information, including the syllabus are subject to confirmation in the Regulations. Notice is also given in the

Regulationsof any courses which are being phased out and students are advised to check course availability annually.

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SyllabusThis is an indicative description of the material to be examined, as published in the Regulations. On

registration, students will receive a detailed subject guide which provides a framework for covering the

topics in the syllabus and directions to the essential reading.

Overview:The course introduces studentsto the history of Sociology, outlining howkey thinkers have contributed to thedevelopment of the discipline. In doingthis, the course introduces students to keysociological concepts and theories andexplores these in the context of real-lifeissues. There is also an introduction toresearch methods in sociology.

Unit 1 - Sociological perspectives: This

unit offers an introduction to the historyand concepts of Sociology, its key thinkersand methods.

Unit 2 - Sociological themes:This unitintroduces students to the study of a rangeof social phenomena that sociologists areinterested in. These include identity,political sociology, globalisation andinequality.

Unit 3 - Policy issues:This module moveson from theories and concepts to applyingsociological perspectives to practicalquestions around family, education, crimeand poverty. Students will also comparecontrasting approaches both theoreticaland methodological to understandingthese issues.

Unit 4 - Contemporary issues:The finalmodule looks at areas of our lives

experiencing rapid social change, such asurbanisation, media, work and theenvironment. Students will apply differentsociological approaches to the study ofthese issues.