What will I learn on this module?
This module demonstrates the distinctive character and power of Sociology as a discipline for understanding, critically analysing and intervening within the most pressing and contemporary social issues, such as ‘new terrorism’, human migration, the global financial crisis and contemporary human slavery. You will explore theoretical and empirical sociological material, delivered by the module team, and a range of (other) eminent sociologists from the UK, lying at the cutting-edge of contemporary sociology will be discussed and critically analysed in terms of its significance for understanding, and intervening, within contemporary society and social life.
How will I learn on this module?
You will be taught through one, weekly, three hour workshop. Sessions will include a mix of formal lectures (including guest speakers), multi-media analysis, seminar-style activities, and some student-led presentation/discussion of key readings and questions. You will be expected to read identified (on Blackboard student reading lists) key texts in advance of each workshop to enable participatory discussion. There will be a student conference at the end of the module where students will present some of their work (orally and/or visually)
You will have access to the e-learning portal with a dedicated internet site to support this module. The site will include electronic copies of module and lecture materials, further reading materials, important module announcements, tutor advice/guidance and further internet links.
You will be expected to engage in private and self-directed study. The lecture programme, module guide, internet site and tutor prescription will provide a clear framework for this study.
Tutorial time will be available to all students (on a group or individual basis) during staff ‘office hours’ or upon appointment with a module tutor.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will have access to the e-learning portal with a dedicated internet site to support this module. The site will include electronic copies of module and lecture materials, further reading materials, important module announcements, tutor advice/guidance and further internet links.
You will be expected to engage in private and self-directed study. The lecture programme, module guide, internet site and tutor prescription will provide a clear framework for this study.
Tutorial time will be available to all students (on a group or individual basis) during staff ‘office hours’ or upon appointment with a module tutor.
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. Critically explain and evaluate key sociological ideas and theories currently at the cutting edge of the discipline in terms of their relevance for understanding, analysing and intervening within the most pressing contemporary social issues
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding and application of the distinctive character and power of Sociology as a discipline for understanding and analysing the most pressing contemporary social issues
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
1. Demonstrate transferable skills such as: written communication skills; skills in critical analysis; skills in practically applying and evaluating theoretical perspectives; ability to understand and de-construct complex theories and concepts; ability to construct and present a coherent and thoroughgoing academic argument; effective time management.
2. Critically engage with diverse information sources and theoretical perspectives, with an interpretation of their context, content and real world implications
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1. Have the ability to frame sociological questions about the most pressing issues within the global social world and the confidence to know how to explore them
How will I be assessed?
Policy Brief (800 words) in weeks 10 & 11 supported by an individual oral presentation. The assignment will also test communication skills and the ability to construct and present a coherent and thoroughgoing academic argument.
A summative 2,000 word written essay that critically assesses one or more Radical idea(s) in Sociology that have been applied to one of the social issues encountered on the module
Both assessments are designed to test students’ knowledge and understanding of key sociological ideas and theories currently at the cutting edge of the discipline, as well as their ability to critically analyse these ideas in terms of their applicability to some of the most pressing contemporary social issues.
Each will be assessed according to specific module assessment criteria which will be provided to students at the beginning of the module.
Students will receive feedback on their workshop activities (formative – which will be directly related to the preparation of the assignments) and extensive written feedback on their summative assessments.
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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