What will I learn on this module?
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
- Identify and explain the importance of the key socio-historical processes that have shaped modernity
- Demonstrate an understanding of the different ways in which modernity and globalization affect diverse communities in the UK and internationally
- Explain key sociological issues in relation to the interaction of local, global and historical contexts
- Demonstrate an understanding of patterns of organisation and mobilisation by different groups and communities as they experience and respond to processes global and local change.
How will I learn on this module?
The module will be delivered by means of lectures and seminars, and an interactive and student-led approach will be encouraged in seminars. This method of delivery will be supported by tutorials, electronic learning, and use of film documentaries as appropriate. Emphasis will be placed on encouraging students to function as independent learners, through collecting contemporary materials relating to processes of global transformation which will be presented in seminars and discussed with peers and tutors.
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.Demonstrate an understanding of key sociological concepts and theories relating to globalisation and social change and an ability to apply these to case studies rooted in particular times and places.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the interactions between: global flows of people and things; policies of national, international and transnational institutions, and individual and collective agency.
Intellectual / Professional skills and abilities
1. The ability to identify and comment upon global social issues, and local issues within a global context, and to understand the methods used by sociologists to collect and critique data.
2. The ability to engage in individual and group study, including identifying and selecting a broad range of academic sources and engaging critically with non-academic sources.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
1. Appreciate the diversity of the global social world and develop a critical assessment of one's own position and the global context of one's opinions and values.
How will I be assessed?
a. Formative assessment
Students will submit a structural plan for Part 2 of the summative assessment for feedback.
Students will work in small groups taking turns to deliver a short presentation reflecting on subject matter explored within the module. A Q n A will follow each presentation.
b. Summative assessment
There are 2 parts to the summative assessment framework:
1. Each week, students are expected to write a reflective post. For this assessment they will submit a 1000-word summary of their reflective posts, to consider how globalisation and global transformations have shaped their lives.
2. Students will be required to submit a 2,500-word essay that both demonstrates an awareness of key theoretical perspectives explored in the module and how to apply them through analysis of real world issues.
Both assessment tasks will require students to locate their own experiences of the interaction of local and global processes in the context of both the popular media and the academic literature.
The presentation will constitute 20% of the overall mark and the final written piece 80%.
c. Feedback strategy
Students will receive ongoing formative feedback during online seminars and will receive weekly peer and tutor feedback in relation to their weekly posts and group presentations.
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 L300
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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