Programme Specifications
Sociology and Politics
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
AU's Year in Employment Option
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
Politics and International Relations
Sociology
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
September 2023
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
The Aims of the BSc Sociology and Politics degree scheme are:
• To develop a broad and deep understanding Sociology and Politics; the content, methods and philosophies of both disciplines and the significant synergies between them;
• To provide a structured programme of delivery that is academically rigorous and meets current and future benchmarking requirements;
• To encourage selected specialist knowledge and understanding through research-led Level 3 optional modules in those areas where DGES, International Politics and other relevant departments at AU, have expertise;
• To produce graduates with a wide range of analytical, critical and technical abilities within Sociology and Politics;
• To develop powers of critical, analytic thinking and logical argument;
• To develop competence in a range of subject-specific and transferable skills including literacy, numeracy, computer literacy, problem setting and problem solving, research skills, report writing, and fieldwork skills;
• To encourage independent study and thought, enquiring minds, and a commitment to personal scholarship of the highest standard.
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
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On completion of the BSc Sociology and Politics degree programme students should:
• be able to critically evaluate ideas, concepts and approaches across the disciplines of Sociology and Politics, in particular, in relation to the significant synergies that exist between the two disciplines;
• be able to carry out independent research, applying a range of skills in relation to data collection, analysis and presentation;
• have developed a range of skills and be able to apply them to a variety of Sociological and Political issues;
• be able to recognize that their learning experience has been positively reinforced by exposure to research;
• be able to evaluate their own performance in a range of learning contexts and under different modes of assessment;
• be able to work independently, in a team and with a social awareness of the contribution made by scholarship and applied research in their discipline to political issues and social policy;
• have the necessary skills and awareness to seek employment in a variety of professional careers or to begin postgraduate research and study
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Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
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A1 A comprehensive knowledge of the core domains within Sociology and Politics, and their applications A2 an understanding of the relationship between Sociology and Politics, and cognate disciplines e.g. history, criminology, human geography. A3 a comprehensive appreciation of the assimilation within Sociology and Politics of themes, theories, methods, and findings from other discipline areas A4 a comprehensive appreciation of the integration of ideas, theories, concepts and methods which can occur within both subjects, and between them A5 a comprehensive knowledge of a range of research methods and measurement relevant to Sociology and Politics
Learning and Teaching
Acquisition of knowledge and understanding is through a combination of lectures (A1-A6), group seminars (A1-A4, A6), coursework (A1-A6) and practical work (A1-A6), as well as through supervision (A1-A6). Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught/learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subjects of Sociology and Politics, as well as the relationship between them.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a combination of seen and unseen examinations (A1- A6) and in-course assessments (A1-A6), in the form of practical reports (A1-A6), essay assignments (A1-A4,A6), group presentations (A2,A3,A5,A6), portfolios (A3), in-class tests (A1, A2, A3, A5), project report (A2, A4,A5), oral presentations (A1-A6) and research participation (A2), and eLearning assessments that include Wikis and Blogs (A1-A6). Importantly, the whole degree encourages, promotes, and facilitates active learning where students are able to learn through less formal means, such as the Politics Society, the Geographical Society and public lectures. Students are also supported through academic progress meetings with their personal and/or subject tutors.
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10.2.1 Intellectual Skills
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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B1 the ability to integrate simple and challenging ideas and empirical findings and assess the relevance of theoretical knowledge in applied contexts
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B2 the ability to extrapolate and comprehend the application of knowledge within the areas of Sociology and Politics
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B3 the ability to display critical thinking skills
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B4 the ability to process information in a manner displaying advanced cognitive skills
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B5 the ability to define and appreciate complex problems and offer solutions
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B6 Integrate and critically evaluate information and data from a variety of sources to construct cogent arguments
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B7 Attend to the distinction between primary and secondary sources of information
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B8 Reflect on experience of learning and adjust intellectual perspective
Learning and Teaching
Student development of intellectual skills from B1-B8 are promoted through lectures, group seminars, coursework, and practical work, as well as through supervision at year 3. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to undertake independent study both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught / learnt and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. The application of these skills in the context of specific areas of political and sociological enquiry is demonstrated through lectures and seminars for core and optional modules at Levels 1, 2 and 3. Reflection and self-assessment (B9) are integral to the learning of intellectual skills and will be developed through feedback on summative and formative assessments and through the online PDP facility.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Intellectual skills (B1-B8) are assessed through a combination of seen and unseen examinations and in-course assessments, in the form of practical reports, essay assignments, portfolios, in-class tests, project report, group and oral presentations, and research participation, as well as eLearning assessments. The use of reflection tools through the PDP are used to develop the students critical awareness and identify their performance. Personal tutors provide feedback regarding academic performance of students.
10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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C1 Interact ethically and professionally with research participants
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C2 Generate and explore complex hypotheses and research questions
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C3 Initiate, design and conduct empirical-based studies involving a variety of methods of data collection
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C4 Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data relevant to politics and sociology
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C5 Effectively employ specialist computer packages (at years 2 and 3) to analyse and use numerical, statistical and other data using quantitative methods
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C6 Effectively employ thorough advanced qualitative approaches and methods to analyse complex text, media and human experiences
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C7 Search specialist databases to be able to conduct and write literature reviews
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C8 Evaluate, present and communicate effectively complex findings by a variety of means, such as a research report
Learning and Teaching
Practical skills are developed through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops and practical classes at years 1 and 2 and further developed through a supervised independent research project at year 3. C7 is also acquired through essay writing at all levels. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to consolidate practical skills (C1-C8) through practice with appropriate research methods and projects.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Practical skills are assessed through practical and project reports (C1-C8), statistics tests and examinations (C4-C5), poster presentations (C1-C6; C8), portfolios (C1-C2; C8), and Wikis (C4, C8), group and individual presentations (C2, C7, C8). At year 3 the independent project may, depending on the topic, assess any or all of outcomes C1 to C8.
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Information provided by Department of Geography and Earth Sciences:
By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:
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D1 Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
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D2 Work effectively within a group
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D3 Work and learn independently
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D4 Manage time, resources, and work to deadlines efficiently
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D5 Effectively use information and communication technology to produce and present ideas and documents
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D6 Show respect for the views and ideas of others
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D7 Identify career opportunities
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D8 Decision making; Identify problems and provide solutions
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D9 Recognise the need to continually update knowledge and skills
The programme aims to promote, develop and nurture students’ awareness of and competence in these key transferable skills, many of which students will already possess to a greater or lesser degree of competence. All of these skills are integral to teaching and learning activities across the programme and are embedded in the degree scheme. Others (D7-D9) are developed through specific modules and learning activities, e.g. group work (D2) is developed through data collection and analysis exercises, and compliments the independent skills developed in most modules. Throughout, the learner is encouraged to develop transferable skills by maintaining a record of evidence and completing a personal development plan (PDP) initiated in year 1.
Assessment Strategies and Methods
Transferable skills are assessed through unseen examinations, in-class tests (D1, D3); laboratory reports, essays including placement essay, project report (D1, D3-D5,D8), poster presentations, mini- projects and laboratory group work (D1-D6,D8), portfolios (D6 and D7). In addition, a number of the above skills are explicitly assessed at various points during the programme through a range of methods, including the Dissertation project (D1, D3-D5, D8), oral presentations (D1-D2), group debates and discussions (D2,D6).
Information provided by Department of International Politics:
BSC Sociology and Politics [LL32]
Academic Year: 2023/2024Single Honours scheme - available from 2020/2021
Duration (studying Full-Time): 3 yearsPeople and Power: Understanding Comparative Politics Today
Gwleidyddiaeth y Deyrnas Unedig Heddiw: Undeb Dan Straen?
Cyfiawnder Byd-Eang: Dehongli a Gwireddu ein Dyletswyddau i'r Dieithryn Pell
Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene
European Security in 21st Century
Warfare after Waterloo: Military History 1815-1918
The Past and Present of US Intelligence
Gender, Conflict and Security
International Politics and Global Development
Women and Global Development
The British Army's Image in Battle, from the Crimean to the Present
Britain and World Politics from Global Empire to Brexit: The Diplomacy of Decline
UK Politics Today: A Union Under Strain?
Economic Diplomacy and Leadership
Global Politics and the Refugee Regime
The Politics and Paradoxes of International Organisations
Cysylltiadau Rhyngwladol: Safbwyntiau a Thrafodaethau
Cenedlaetholdeb mewn Theori a Realiti
International Relations: Perspectives and Debates
International Politics and the Nuclear Age
The Arab-Israeli Wars
Russian Security in the 21st Century
The Governance of Climate Change: Simulation Module
The Long Shadow of the Second World War
Britain and Ireland in War and Peace since 1800
China From the Opium War to the Present
Nationalism in Theory and Practice
Race in Global Politics
Knowing about Violent Conflict in International Politics
Strategy, Intelligence and Security in International Politics
Refugee Simulation
Middle Powers in the Global Political Economy
Sociology Dissertation
Gwleidyddiaeth y Deyrnas Unedig Heddiw: Undeb Dan Straen?
Dulliau Ymchwil + Traethawd Estynedig
Cyfiawnder Byd-Eang: Dehongli a Gwireddu ein Dyletswyddau i'r Dieithryn Pell
Dissertation
Climate Change and International Politics in the Anthropocene
European Security in the 21st Century
The Past and Present of US Intelligence
Gender, Conflict and Security
Women and Global Development
The British Army's Image in Battle, from the Crimean to the Present
Britain and World Politics from Global Empire to Brexit: the Diplomacy of Decline:
UK Politics Today: A Union Under Strain?
Economic Diplomacy and Leadership
Global Politics and the Refugee Regime
The Politics and Paradoxes of International Organisations
Dulliau Ymchwil + Traethawd Estynedig
Cenedlaetholdeb Mewn Theori a Realiti
Dissertation
International Politics and the Nuclear Age
The Arab-Israeli Wars
The Long Shadow of the Second World War
Britain and Ireland in War and Peace since 1800
China From the Opium War to the Present
Nationalism in Theory and Practice
Race in Global Politics
Refugee Simulation
Middle Powers in the Global Political Economy