Sociology

Course summary

This course is designed to provide an in-depth analysis of the society we live in today using sociological theories, perspectives and research. In addition, you are taught the skills necessary to critically evaluate the usefulness of sociological theories as well as understand the way in which data is gathered. When analysing various areas of social life, students will understand these topics in relation to socialisation, culture and identity as well as social differentiation, power and stratification. Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods - Students will learn the function of the education system, explanations for differential educational achievement, relationships and processes within schools as well as the significance of educational policies. Paper 2: Topics in Sociology - Students will learn the sociological explanations of the relation of the family to the economy and state policy, changing patterns in the family, gender roles and power relationships, the nature of childhood and demographic trends in the UK. Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods - students will understand the sociological explanations of crime and deviance, the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class, globalisation and crime as well as crime control and the criminal justice system.