SO4008 - Biography, Sociology and Everyday Life

What will I learn on this module?

• You will develop and apply sociological knowledge and skills associated with qualitative research interviewing: analysing and presenting qualitative data; research ethics.

• You will develop knowledge and understanding of how biographies are affected by agency and the negotiation of social structures (such as ideologies and hierarchies and organisational, social, economic, historical and political processes, contextual and social change).

• You will demonstrate theoretical understanding in relation to social structures and social action.

• You will develop skills associated with the visual and verbal presentation of qualitative biographical research.

How will I learn on this module?

Workshops will be used to provide a broad overview of the key themes and theories which underpin the sociological imagination, and the development of sociological auto/biographies. Workshop activities will clarify and discuss key issues in depth, utilising case studies and students’ experience as well as related reading.

The module will be supported by Blackboard on online reading lists in order to encourage students’ independent use of learning materials.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Students will be supported by the teaching team through seminars and Blackboard, supplemented by one to one tutorials and email. All students 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 and Understanding

An understanding and application of theories which refer to social structures and social identity

Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of how biographies are formed and affected by agency and the negotiation of social structures.

Intellectual/professional skills and abilities
The application of sociological knowledge and skills associated with qualitative research interviewing: the use of visual material in social research, analysing qualitative data and research ethics
Personal Values and Attributes

Understanding of diversity, social inequality, social structures and research ethics.

How will I be assessed?

1. Assessment 1: Workshop portfolio (40% - marked) – you will write reflections on three seminar activities of your choice from across the modules. The reflections should describe the activity, your participation and key learnings. These should be 750 words each (totalling 2250 words)
MLO Assessed

An understanding and application of theories which refer to social structures and social identity

Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of how biographies are formed and affected by agency and the negotiation of social structures.

Assessment 2: Poster presentation and ethics exam 60%)
you will interview someone of your choice and present their life story in the form of a ten-minute poster presentation which critically explores the relationship between agency and structure in the construction of a life story/biography. You will be required to follow research ethics guidelines in order to carry out a qualitative interview with a person in order to investigate their biography. You will reflect on the role structure and agency have played in their life. To pass this assessment you must complete and pass a short in-class ethics test.

MLO assessed

The application of sociological knowledge and skills associated with qualitative research interviewing: the use of visual material in social research, analysing qualitative data and research ethics

Understanding of diversity, social inequality, social structures and research ethics.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module offers students the opportunity to ‘do’ sociology through sociological research and analysis and the application of social theory. The module supports students in the preparation of ethical qualitative research that sociologically examines the biography of a living person.

Students will develop and apply a range of professional skills and knowledge: research techniques, presentation skills, awareness of research ethics and the application of social theory.

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

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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