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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
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 2023 or September 2024
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
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