What will I learn on this module?
This module will enable you to develop your knowledge and understanding of sociology as a discipline and to begin to develop your own ‘sociological imagination’. Central to this is an understanding of how individuals not only shape the world around them but are also shaped by it. This is the core focus of sociology and will be the focus of this module. It will draw on contemporary social issues and problems to help you understand society and the role of sociology in understanding and seeking to change it.
This module introduces you to key ideas and vocabulary in the in the study of society, such as ‘agency’ and the notion of the structured social world and therefore the foundation of society such as the family, identity, the role of the state, crime and punishment and economic inequality etc. Throughout the module you will be supported to be self-reflective about your place in the social world and to consider if your own attitudes and beliefs are the result of your own free will (agency) or the consequence of pressure from wider social forces, or maybe even both.
The module will introduce and assess a number of important academic skills including writing for academic purposes, accessing and evaluating different information sources, academic referencing, group work and presentation skills. This module will prepare you for further study in higher education and, more specifically, for the study of the sociology and/or other social science subject areas.
How will I learn on this module?
This module will be delivered via a series of workshops – made up of a combination of directly taught and interactive activities. These workshops will involve group and individual activities as well as engagement with a range of academic and media sources, including: documentaries, photographic images and newspaper articles.
Throughout the module emphasis will be placed on you developing your knowledge and understanding of the methods, approaches and key ideas that underpin sociology and the sociological imagination. Key to this is developing a sociological vocabulary and foundation knowledge of the discipline of sociology that you can build upon and develop as your studies progress. Where practical, workshop learning activity will take place outside of the classroom.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
On the module you will be academically supported in the following ways:
• During workshops through a variety of learning activities led by the module leader as well through in-session question and answer opportunities.
• Through pre-arranged one-to-one consultations with academic staff arranged in person, via email or over the telephone.
• Through the module’s online electronic learning portal website (Blackboard) which will act as a depository for learning materials, assessment information and including a module handbook that guides you through many frequently asked questions.
The module handbook provides details of sessions, reading lists and assessment criteria; lecture PowerPoint slides are made available on the e-learning portal. The module tutors will be available in taught sessions, as well as in feedback and consultation hours and on email/phone, to discuss any queries or concerns you have about how to excel academically on the module. Moreover, feedback on formative work and the first summative assessments will also serve as ‘feed forward’, giving guidance on how to improve during the module. In addition, you have a designated Personal Guidance Tutor throughout the entire duration of your programme. The academic side of the Personal Guidance Tutor’s role includes:
• monitoring your ongoing academic progress
• helping you to develop self-reflection skills necessary for continuous academic development
• directing you to further available services which can help them with their academic skills (e.g. Library’s Skills Plus)
You are advised to see your Personal Guidance Tutor at least twice each semester to review your academic progress.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of sociology as a discipline and the role of the sociological imagination.
2. You will be able to identify and understand key sociological concept including structure, agency and society.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will develop and demonstrate the study skills needed to study sociology in higher education.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will show an appreciation of the role of sociology in understanding diversity in society.
5. You will show an appreciation of the diverse environment that characterises higher education study.
How will I be assessed?
You will be supported through formative (i.e. informal) tasks within the module workshops to prepare for the summative (i.e. formal) assessment for the module.
The summative assessment for this module is based on you submitting the following compulsory components:
• A poster that outlines the meaning, purpose or role of sociology as a discipline.
• A 1500 word essay on a topic of sociological importance
The assessment tasks address all MLOs.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
Please find details of this module in the other sections provided.
Course info
UCAS Code L3L4
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Social Sciences
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
Useful Links
Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp
Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy
Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints
