SOC1032 : Politics and Society
SOC1032 : Politics and Society
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Alison Phipps
- Lecturer: Professor Tracy Shildrick, Dr Lisa Garforth
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module is designed to introduce students to the reciprocal influence between political and social life, via discussion of key concepts and major contemporary socio-political issues.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module examines the interaction between political and social factors. It is concerned with how politics can affect its social context as well as with how it can be affected by it. How do we conceive of social and political power? To what extent do political institutions and practices shape the nature and boundaries of civil society and social life, and conversely how do social relations (broadly defined to encompass cultural, economic and associational relations) influence political decision making? The module will also reflect on issues that are at the very centre of political debate and social mobilization in the contemporary era. By offering an overview of arguments and debates about topical issues in politics and society, the module will expose students to the analytical power of a sociological approach to politics.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of the module students should be able to: have a critical understanding of the functioning of social and political domains and how these are reciprocally connected. They will also be able to critically reflect on key contemporary socio-political issues.
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of the module students should be able to: improve their critical thinking; enhance their essay writing skills; be able to read, discuss and apply social and political theory; and, develop a wider reservoir of knowledge of of contemporary socio-political issues.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 48:00 | 48:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 10 | 2:00 | 20:00 | Interactive lectures (1 per week, PiP) |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 119:00 | 119:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Timetabled PiP (seminars) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Assessment and skills workshops (online) |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The combination of lectures, workshops and seminars is suitable to offering an in-depth understanding of the topics covered in the module. The lectures will be interactive sessions introducing students to key theoretical approaches, public debates and empirical studies. Key readings will be explored and discussed in the student-led seminars. There will be online assessment workshops in which students can explore the key features of the assessment requirements and raise questions and concerns as appropriate.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | M | 70 | Essay 2000 words |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 30 | Concept note 1000 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 2 | M | One-page essay plan |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Students will be asked to prepare a concept note covering one of the key concepts we have discussed early in the module. This will then inform an essay in which they apply this concept to a contemporary sociopolitical issue. The one-page essay plan will be discussed in the assessment workshops and students will give each other peer feedback under facilitator guidance.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SOC1032's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- SOC1032's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.