What will I learn on this module?
You will be introduced to the sociological study of happiness and wellbeing, posing questions about how we analyse notions of a good life and the efforts people make to flourish. We draw on sociological research as well as work from psychology, economics and philosophy to explore the significance of happiness for people’s identities and life course transitions. We discuss some of the traditional concerns of sociology such as social divisions and inequality (working through class, gender, ‘race’ and sexuality) relating these to the experience of happiness and the structuring of wellbeing. We draw on several case studies (such as wellbeing in other cultures, aging and young people) to illustrate how happiness functions as a social process that can be a site of struggle and conflict that features in many different aspects of life through families, friendships, intimacy, work and leisure.
How will I learn on this module?
You will engage with one hour lectures and two hour workshops/seminar discussions. The latter involves small and whole group activities employing posters, debates and short presentations. There will be a wide range of learning materials available online suh as images, video clips and short readings and students are expected to engage wih these each week prior to workshops discussions.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be assessed through mid semester assessment and feedback which will be provided via one-to one tutorials with tutors as well assessment prep sessions in workshops so that students can be supported as they prepare for their final summative assessment.
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. To identify and appraise the distinctive contribution that sociological ideas can make to the analysis of happiness and wellbeing.
2. Identify and analyse how notions of wellbeing are linked to key debates in sociology such as those around identity, power and social division.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how wellbeing has emerged historically and is implicated in a range of contemporary debates around the good life and the role of social policy in contemporary societies.
Intellectual / Professional skills and abilities
1. To enage with materials/data from a variety of sources and apply these in a critical way to the analysis of wellbeing.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
1. To explore how the study of wellbeing implies ethical questions about the good life and good society.
How will I be assessed?
Essay (4,000 words)
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 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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