Course Guide BA(Hons) Sociology and Politics School of ... · School of Social, Historical and...

School of Social, Historical and Political StudiesBA(Hons) Sociology and PoliticsCourse Guide

2018-19September

About this guide

This is your course guide. It provides the basic but fundamental information about your course of study. Thisguide is yours for the duration of the course, we don’t re-issue it annually and if any information containedwithin were to change then we will write to you to explain so.

In particular, if any important aspects relating to your modules were to change then we will inform you inaccordance with the Code of Practice for the Management of Changes to Modules and Courses. The teachingand support teams which you will get to know over time will refer to this guide – it will be useful to you andwe advise you to make good use of it throughout your studies.

The Course Guide should be read in conjunction with the more general sources of information which relate toall students at the University. The Student Handbook is a very detailed reference point for all issues relating toyour studies which aren’t specific to just your particular course. You might also want to refer to the StudentCharter; the University’s Policies and Regulations and the University Assessment Handbook documents whichwill provide you with all of the information that we think you will need for your period of study here.

If you need additional information, or you simply want to discuss elements of any of these documents or otheraspects of your course, find that there is something you need to know, please contact your Faculty StudentServices:

Faculty Student Services

We can help with the administration and organisation of your time at University – from enrolment andmodule registration, tuition fee enquiries, attendance support, course management and lifecycle queries,extenuating circumstances, leave of absence, transfers and changes, assignment submission, SAMsappointments, assessment and result queries, right through to Graduation.

You can also come and talk to us for impartial advice and support if things are starting to go wrong and you’renot sure who else to talk to. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. We see large numbers ofstudents over the course of a year on a variety of issues, so please don’t be afraid to approach us.

We are here to ensure that your transition into Higher Education is as smooth as possible. Normal officeopening hours are Monday-Friday 08:45-17:00.

You can contact us through the e:vision help desk, by phone or in person or by e-mail:

Faculty of SocialSciences

The Lord Paul Swraj Building MU 202 (01902) 321789(01902) 321515

[email protected]

Help and Advice is alsoavailable from StudentSupport & Wellbeing…

Contact us at the Alan TuringBuilding MI 001 for all enquiries andreferrals… Services operate at allcampuses by appointment.

(01902) 321074(01902) 321070

[email protected]@wlv.ac.uk

Welcome from the Course Leader

On behalf of the teaching and support teams from BA(Hons) Sociology and Politics course, I would like toextend to you a very warm welcome to the University of Wolverhampton, and in particular your campus.

My name is Shirin Housee and I am the course leader for your BA(Hons) Sociology and Politics course andalongside your personal tutor, will be your main point of contact over the duration of your studies. My contactdetails are below – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any support or guidance.

The successes which you will achieve whilst at the University are based upon a partnership between theexpertise and support from the staff here and the effort you put into learning. We welcome students who areeager to think for themselves, to take control of their own learning and who are ready to get involved in

developing the skills required in a highly competitive job market. Make the most of the wide range ofopportunities available to you.

Studying at University can be difficult, and for many of you the transition into University life will bechallenging. However we will support you throughout your course, particularly whilst you develop into anindependent learner over the course of your first year with us.

We believe it is important that you are encouraged to make your own contribution to the effective operationand development of your chosen course. We hope that you might consider acting as a Course Representativeduring some of your time with us to help the University continue to improve your experience.

I would like to wish you every success with your studies. We look forward to working with you and hope thatyou enjoy your time with us.

Shirin Housee

Course Management and Staff Involvement

RoleRole NameName SpecialismSpecialism eMaileMail Tel. Ext.Tel. Ext. RoomRoom

Head of Department Dr Clare Williams [email protected] 3426 MH212

Course Leader Ms Shirin Housee [email protected] 3453 MH213

Educational Aims of the Course

The Sociology and Politics degree gives students the opportunity to analyse and understand the majorpolitical and sociological traditions through which we can make sense of the modern world. This degree alsofocuses upon the debates concerning developments around economic, political and cultural globalisation.

Students are encouraged to apply their sociological and political knowledge to a range of key contemporaryissues, and to understand the impact such issues have upon institutional arrangements, cultural systems,governance and citizenship in a national and international context.

At each level of study you are given the opportunity to undertake accredited voluntary work in the localcommunity – an experience that broadens your academic knowledge, deepens your appreciation of civicresponsibility and enhances your opportunities for graduate employment.

Teaching and learning are designed to support digital literacy. Students will acquire the skills necessary togather evidence, apply theory and mobilise argument in relation to a wide range of social and political issues. Students are encouraged to share knowledge and be enterprising with their ideas. Global comparativeperspectives are incorporated into the degree, providing students with the opportunity to learn about societyand politics in other countries.

What makes this programme distinctive?

Sociology and Politics at Wolverhampton offers modules which deal with theoretical and conceptual materialwhich can be practically applied and tested through the opportunity to do placement and volunteeringmodules, thus providing a stimulating mixture of the theoretical, conceptual, practical and applied learning.

This course encourages Community-based learning through placements in not-for-profit agencies andorganisations. These modules are embedded in the course and are an accredited part of the student learningexperience. The Sociology Department at Wolverhampton are pioneers of accredited volunteering in the UK.Students benefit from staff expertise in this area and the provision greatly enhances graduate employability.

Course Structure

September (Full-Time)September (Full-Time)

Part time students study alongside full time students. However, they do not study more than 80 credits in eachacademic calendar year.

Year 1Year 1

ModuleModule TitleTitle CreditsCredits PeriodPeriod TypeType

4PO003 Introduction to British Politics 20 SEM1 Core

4SL005 The Sociological Imagination 20 SEM1 Core

4PO002 Introduction to International Relations 20 SEM2 Core

4SL009 Introduction to Classical Sociological Theory 20 SEM2 Core

For this option group you must choose a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 20 creditsFor this option group you must choose a minimum of 20 credits and a maximum of 20 credits

4PO005 Campaigning and Citizenship: Women in Britain and its Empire from 1800 to1950

20 SEM1

4GK006 Success in Higher Education 20 SEM1

4WL002 Basic Language 20 SEM1

4WL003 Elementary Language 20 SEM1


4PO006 Contemporary Capitalism 20 SEM2

4GK006 Success in Higher Education 20 SEM2



4SL011 Volunteering in the Community 20 SEM2

4SL010 The Media and the Manufacture of Deviance 20 SEM2



Year 2Year 2


5PO003 Contemporary Political Ideologies 20 SEM1 Core

5SL005 Issues and Debates in Sociological Thought 20 SEM1 Core

5PO004 World Politics 20 SEM2 Core

5SL007 Doing Quantitative Research 20 SEM2 Core


5PO006 Contemporary Britain 20 SEM1

5SA014 Families, Children and the State 20 SEM1



5SL001 Racism, Diversity and difference in the British Context 20 SEM1


5SL002 Making Gender 20 SEM2

5PO005 Europe United? European Politics, Societies, Cultures 20 SEM2



5SL008 Volunteering in Action 20 SEM2



Year 3Year 3


6SL012 Qualitative Research Methods 20 SEM1 Core

6PO003 Political Theory 20 SEM2 Core


6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology 20 SEM1

6SL004 Community Link in Sociology 20 SEM1

6PO004 Project (Politics) 20 SEM1

6PO005 Security and Integration in the New Europe 20 SEM1

6PO001 Democracy and Terrorism: Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland 20 SEM1

6SL014 The Sociology of the Body 20 SEM1

6WL001 Intermediate/Advanced Language 20 SEM1

6SL013 The Global World 20 SEM1

6HS013 Work Placement in the Community 20 SEM1


6HS013 Work Placement in the Community 20 SEM2

6SL011 The Sociology of Migration 20 SEM2

6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology 20 SEM2

6SL004 Community Link in Sociology 20 SEM2

6PO004 Project (Politics) 20 SEM2

6WL001 Intermediate/Advanced Language 20 SEM2

6SL002 Global Educational Issues 20 SEM2

6PO002 The Politics of the Middle East 20 SEM2

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning OutcomeLearning Outcome Contributing ModulesContributing Modules

CertHE Course Learning Outcome 1 CertHE Course Learning Outcome 1 (CHECLO1)(CHECLO1)

"Demonstrate knowledge of the underlyingconcepts and principles associated with yourarea(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate andinterpret these within the context of that area ofstudy"

4PO002 Introduction to International Relations4PO003 Introduction to British Politics4PO005 Campaigning and Citizenship: Women in Britain and its Empire from1800 to 19504PO006 Contemporary Capitalism4SL005 The Sociological Imagination4SL009 Introduction to Classical Sociological Theory4SL010 The Media and the Manufacture of Deviance

4SL011 Volunteering in the Community

CertHE Course Learning Outcome 2 CertHE Course Learning Outcome 2 (CHECLO2)(CHECLO2)

"Demonstrate an ability to present, evaluate andinterpret qualitative and quantitative data, inorder to develop lines of argument and makesound judgements in accordance with basictheories and concepts of your subject(s) of study."

4GK006 Success in Higher Education4PO002 Introduction to International Relations4PO003 Introduction to British Politics4PO005 Campaigning and Citizenship: Women in Britain and its Empire from1800 to 19504PO006 Contemporary Capitalism4SL005 The Sociological Imagination4SL009 Introduction to Classical Sociological Theory4SL010 The Media and the Manufacture of Deviance4WL002 Basic Language4WL003 Elementary Language

DipHE Course Learning Outcome 1 DipHE Course Learning Outcome 1 (DHECLO1)(DHECLO1)

"Demonstrate knowledge and criticalunderstanding of the well-established principlesof your area(s) of study, and of the way in whichthose principles have developed with anunderstanding of the limits of your knowledge,and how this influences analyses andinterpretations based on that knowledge."

5PO003 Contemporary Political Ideologies5PO004 World Politics5PO005 Europe United? European Politics, Societies, Cultures5PO006 Contemporary Britain5SL001 Racism, Diversity and difference in the British Context5SL002 Making Gender5SL005 Issues and Debates in Sociological Thought5SL007 Doing Quantitative Research


"Demonstrate the ability to apply underlyingconcepts and principles outside the context inwhich they were first studied, including, whereappropriate, the application of those principles inan employment context"

5SL007 Doing Quantitative Research5SL008 Volunteering in Action5WL001 Basic Language5WL002 Elementary Language


"Demonstrate knowledge of the main methods ofenquiry in the subject(s) relevant to the namedaward, and ability to evaluate critically theappropriateness of different approaches tosolving problems in the field of study"

5SL007 Doing Quantitative Research5SL008 Volunteering in Action


"Use a range of established techniques to initiateand undertake critical analysis of information,and to propose solutions to problems arising fromthat analysis"

5PO003 Contemporary Political Ideologies5PO004 World Politics5PO005 Europe United? European Politics, Societies, Cultures5PO006 Contemporary Britain5SL001 Racism, Diversity and difference in the British Context5SL002 Making Gender5SL005 Issues and Debates in Sociological Thought5SL007 Doing Quantitative Research

Ordinary Course Learning Outcome 1Ordinary Course Learning Outcome 1(ORDCLO1)(ORDCLO1)

demonstrate a range of theoretical andmethodological approaches in the disciplines ofSociology and to comprehend the distinctivecharacter of Sociological thought;

6SL002 Global Educational Issues6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology6SL011 The Sociology of Migration6SL014 The Sociology of the Body


"critically review, analyse and evaluate a widerange of appropriate evidence in relation to avariety of social theories or theories used insociology and politics, and to mobilise a reasoned,informed argument;"

6PO001 Democracy and Terrorism: Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland6PO003 Political Theory6PO004 Project (Politics)6PO005 Security and Integration in the New Europe6SL002 Global Educational Issues6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology


"conduct research in a preliminary way, and

6PO008 6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology6SL004 Community Link in Sociology

communicate findings to a range of audiencesusing appropriate technologies in digitallyliterate ways;"


"demonstrate their knowledge of the politicalhistory, institutions and ideological traditions ofthe UK and/or one other area;"

6PO001 Democracy and Terrorism: Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland6PO002 The Politics of the Middle East6SL002 Global Educational Issues6SL011 The Sociology of Migration6SL013 The Global World


"demonstrate understanding of key issues inrelation to rights, diversity and equality, andinclusion in the modern world;"

6PO002 The Politics of the Middle East6PO003 Political Theory6PO005 Security and Integration in the New Europe6SL011 The Sociology of Migration6SL014 The Sociology of the Body


"demonstrate a range of conceptual and practicalskills commensurate with graduate employment,and personal and social development"

6PO003 Political Theory6PO004 Project (Politics)6PO008 6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology6SL004 Community Link in Sociology6WL001 Intermediate/Advanced Language

Honours Course Learning Outcome 1Honours Course Learning Outcome 1(DEGCLO1)(DEGCLO1)

demonstrate a range of theoretical andmethodological approaches in the disciplines ofSociology and to comprehend the distinctivecharacter of Sociological thought;

6SL002 Global Educational Issues6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology6SL011 The Sociology of Migration6SL014 The Sociology of the Body


"critically review, analyse and evaluate a widerange of appropriate evidence in relation to avariety of social theories or theories used insociology and politics, and to mobilise a reasoned,informed argument;"

6PO001 Democracy and Terrorism: Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland6PO003 Political Theory6PO004 Project (Politics)6PO005 Security and Integration in the New Europe6SL002 Global Educational Issues6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology


"conduct research in a preliminary way, andcommunicate findings to a range of audiencesusing appropriate technologies in digitallyliterate ways;"

6PO008 6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology6SL004 Community Link in Sociology


"demonstrate their knowledge of the politicalhistory, institutions and ideological traditions ofthe UK and/or one other area;"

6PO001 Democracy and Terrorism: Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland6PO002 The Politics of the Middle East6SL002 Global Educational Issues6SL011 The Sociology of Migration6SL013 The Global World


"demonstrate understanding of key issues inrelation to rights, diversity and equality, andinclusion in the modern world;"

6PO002 The Politics of the Middle East6PO003 Political Theory6PO005 Security and Integration in the New Europe6SL011 The Sociology of Migration6SL014 The Sociology of the Body


"demonstrate a range of conceptual and practicalskills commensurate with graduate employment,and personal and social development;"

6PO003 Political Theory6PO004 Project (Politics)6PO008 6SL003 Independent Project in Sociology6SL004 Community Link in Sociology6WL001 Intermediate/Advanced Language

PSRB

None

Employability in the Curriculum

Graduates from this degree course are likely to be attracted to a wide range of careers in the private, public andvoluntary sectors, particularly local government. Students may go into teaching, lecturing or research in thefields of Sociology or Politics or access Masters level work in the areas of Politics, Sociology, Social Work orthe Voluntary and Public Sectors.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning will be face to face and on-line and will consist of the following:

LecturesSeminarsOne-to-one and Group TutorialsDebatesSmall and large group workFace-to-face and online discussion forums and wikisStudent presentationsWork- and community- based learning through placements (to support employability skills)Research activitiesIndependent and guided studyCollaborative on-line tasks and activitiesIndividual and group on-line tasks and activitiesVideo and image analysisCase studiesRole playWolverhampton Enterprise and Employability Award

The on-line activities and electronic presentations the students will prepare will support their digital literacy.

The group tasks and seminars will support students’ enterprising ideas.

The international perspectives to topics taken in lectures and learning tasks will support students’ globalcitizenship.

Reference Points

QAA Subject Benchmark for SociologyQAA Subject Benchmark for PoliticsQAA Code of Practice for PlacementsFramework for Higher Education QualificationsQAA Subject Benchmark for Politics (2015)

Academic Regulations Exemptions

None

Support with your studies

University Learning Centres are the key source of academic information for students providing access to:

Physical library resources (books, journal, DVDs etc.)Study areas to allow students to study in the environment that suits them best: Social areas, quiet andsilent areas.A wide range of online information sources, including eBooks, e-journals and subject databasesAcademic skills support via the Skills for Learning programmeStudents on campus can attend workshops or ask for one-to-one help on a range of skills such asacademic writing and referencing.Dedicated Subject Pages to enable you to explore key online information sources that are recommendedfor their studies.Physical access to local libraries both in UK and overseas via SCONUL and WorldCat agreements

We also strongly advise you to download to “MyWLV” student app. MyWLV is a single point of personalisedaccess to the variety of systems the University offers. This includes pulling through relevant information (e.g.deadlines, timetables) and linking to underlying systems.

Leave of Absence:

The University allows breaks in learning of up to two years and there is a process for applying for a leave ofabsence, which can be accessed through your e:Vision account. Initially you will need to apply for the leave ofabsence, which could be for medical, parental or personal reasons. A short-term absence, such as annual leave,must not be recorded as a break. The course leader will consider, and where appropriate agree, the leave ofabsence application. A return date will be identified and agreed for a suitable point in the programme.Additional course fees may be incurred as a result of a leave of absence and you are advised to discuss thiswith the Faculty Student Services team prior to application.

Course Specific Support

Where appropriate, online activities will support learning.

Support for the development of academic skills is embedded in Level 4 Core modules. In addition, there isspecialist academic practice modules at Level 4 and LIS support for academic skills development.

Students will receive feedback informally throughout the modules, and formally through written feedback fortheir formative and summative assignments. This feedback will be constructive and indicate to students howto progress in their learning. Module tutors are also available for one-to-one discussions of their work.

Students will be supported through their Project, Community Link or Work Placement by an allocatedacademic supervisor.

All students will have a personal tutor to support their progress throughout their course. Tutors are regularlyavailable to meet with students to discuss any issues they wish to raise and to map their progress.

The Academic Support Tutors within SSHIPs provided additional specialised learning support for students onan individual basis.

Contact Hours

In higher education, the term ‘contact hours’ is used very broadly, to refer to the amount of time that youspend learning in contact with teaching or associated staff, when studying for a particular course.

This time provides you with the support in developing your subject knowledge and skills, and opportunitiesto develop and reflect on your own, independent learning. Contact time can take a wide variety of formsdepending on your subject, as well as where and how you are studying. Some of the most common examplesare:

lecturesseminarstutorialsproject supervisionsdemonstrationspractical classes and workshopssupervised time in a studio/workshopfieldworkexternal visitswork-based learning (including placements)scheduled virtual interaction with tutor such as on line, skype, telephone

In UK higher education, you as the student take primary responsibility for your own learning. In this context,contact time with teaching and associated staff is there to help shape and guide your studies. It may be usedto introduce new ideas and equip you with certain knowledge or skills, demonstrate practical skills for you topractise independently, offer guidance on project work, or to provide personalised feedback.

Alongside contact time, private or independent study is therefore very significant. This is the time that youspend learning without direct supervision from, or contact with, a member of staff. It might includebackground reading, preparation for seminars or tutorials, follow-up work, wider practice, the completion ofassignments, revision, and so on.

50 Day Engagement:

You will be withdrawn from the University if you fail to engage with the academic requirements of yourcourse of study, within 50 days of the course start date, following repeated and reasonable attempts by theUniversity to contact you.

Course Specific Health and Safety Issues

No specific health and safety issues recorded.

Course Fact File

Hierarchy of Awards:Hierarchy of Awards: Bachelor of Arts with Honours Sociology and Politics Bachelor of Arts Sociology and Politics Diploma of Higher Education Sociology and Politics Certificate of Higher Education Sociology and Politics University Statement of Credit University Statement of Credit

Course Codes:Course Codes: SL012J01UV Full-time 3 YearsSL012J31UV Part-time 6 Years

Awarding Body / Institution:Awarding Body / Institution: University of Wolverhampton

School / Institute:School / Institute: School of Social, Historical and Political Studies

Category of Partnership:Category of Partnership: Not delivered in partnership

Location of Delivery:Location of Delivery: University of Wolverhampton

Teaching Institution:Teaching Institution: University of Wolverhampton

Published: 18-Jun-2018 by Shirin B. Housee

Course Guide BA(Hons) Sociology and Politics School of ... · School of Social, Historical and...

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