What will I learn on this module?
In this module, you will examine the family, as a key social institution, evaluate sociological and ideological perspectives of the ‘family’ as well as develop your knowledge and understanding of changes in family structures and roles. You will also examine the role of the state and its policies in influencing and supporting families, developing skills in finding, using, evaluating and presenting information.
You will assess and evaluate theoretical constructs, applying them to an analysis of the contemporary family, compare and evaluated aspects of international perspectives on the family and reflect upon and assess issues and debates concerning current and future family changes and public policy.
In this module, you will also develop a range of transferable skills, reading, note taking, data gathering, time management, presentation skills, group working, essay writing, effective referencing, interpreting evidence.
How will I learn on this module?
You will participate in a mixture of lectures and seminar activities either via online delivery, face to face, or a combination of both. These activities will include small and larger group discussion, debates, research tasks, individual and group presentations. The module will draw upon a range of resources: short films, case studies, nationally and internationally and reading from historical and contemporary theoretical sources as well as media and academic texts. .
You will be directed toward seminar preparation which will include the reading of academic texts and/or research tasks from a variety of sources.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by the teaching team through seminars and Blackboard, supplemented by one to one tutorials and email. You will be given contact details and office hours for the teaching team to enable them to book tutorials and ask questions by email.
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 be able to critically explain and evaluate key sociological concepts, theories and methods, in relation to the changing nature of the family in historical and contemporary context.
2. You will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the value of comparative social and cultural analysis with regard to the study of families and their historical development.
3. You will demonstrate a critical understanding of the social policy implications, and social and cultural impact, of sociological knowledge and research in the area of the family and the state's influence on the family.
Intellectual / Professional skills and abilities
1. You will select appropriate methodologies to collect and analyse data on a range of social issues, with an awareness of research ethics in the area of family and family policy.
2. You will develop critical interpretation of social issues drawing on a variety of classical, historical and contemporary social theory. You will also assess the suitability of different sources for sociological analysis of the family and social policy.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
1. You will develop a critical and comparative understanding of diverse examples of family roles and development, drawn from analysis of case studies, nationally and internationally.
How will I be assessed?
A 15 minute group presentation (40% of the marks for the module).
A 2,500 critical essay (60% of the marks for the module).
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 LM39
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 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.
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