130921 Sociology BA (Hons)

Course OverviewContemporary society is becoming ever more complex and the need to understand how it works is increasingly important. Sociology is the study of how society is organised, how this influences the attitudes and behaviour of individuals and the impact this has on social relationships both within and between societies. Accordingly, sociology is now commonly regarded as an essential discipline for understanding the development of all modern societies. The Sociology degree at Liverpool Hope will help you to think critically and constructively about the key questions relating to modern society.

Our sociology degree is based around a core that provides inputs from social theory and from the comparison of different forms of society. The degree will help you to examine ‘common-sense’ assumptions about the world by exploring the issues that confront society nationally and globally and studying the theories and methods that help to explain and understand these issues. It also examines and evaluates the methods of research which make the study of society possible. The degree enables you to study a range of additional topics which cover the whole spectrum of sociological inquiry.

Staff are enthusiastic and dedicated and will help you to get the most out of your degree. In line with Liverpool Hope’s commitment to social justice both nationally and internationally, Sociology attempts to understand social issues and problems that confront the modern world and, in so doing challenges received wisdom.

Fees and Additional CostsThe tuition fees for 2022/2023 are £9,250 for full-time undergraduate courses.

On top of your tuition fees, you also need approximately £100 to purchase core textbooks.

You will also need to consider the cost of your accommodation each year whilst you study at university.

Visit our accommodation webpages for further details about our Halls of Residence: www.hope.ac.uk/halls

Applicants will need access to a computer if course delivery is switched to online. The University has a laptop lending service if remote study is necessary.

CONTACTT: +44 (0)151 291 3000E: [email protected]

www.hope.ac.uk

Sociology BA (Hons)UCAS Code: L300 | Duration: 3 years | Full-time | Hope Park | 2022/2023

Placement year opportunities available

Entry RequirementsThe standard offer level is 112 UCAS tariff points.

130921

Year OneIntroduction Sociology

Your first year of study provides you with a complete overview of the subject and encourages you to ‘think like a sociologist’ by developing your sociological imagination through a range of skills-based activities designed to foster critical understanding of the social world and our place within it.

You will be introduced to the main theoretical approaches and research methods within the discipline, as well as to a wide diversity of areas of human life to which sociological knowledge and practice has been applied: from social divisions (of class, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality, dis/ability and age) to the effects of globalisation, de-industrialisation, media, climate change, poverty and social exclusion.

Year TwoExplorations in Sociology

In your second year, you will explore the core themes of ‘Key Sociological Thinkers’ and ‘Social Research in Action’. You will begin to develop an applied understanding of the ideas of key social thinkers, both classical and contemporary, that have shaped Sociology as a discipline. In the first half of the course you will explore the ideas of Marx, Weber, Durkheim and Simmel, among others, reflecting upon their present-day relevance as well as their influence upon contemporary social theory. In the second part of the course you will study the ideas of contemporary social thinkers such as Elias, Goffman and Baudrillard, applying their theories to real-life examples and evaluating their significance.

You will also be introduced to different types of research approaches and techniques, learning how sociological research is planned, designed and carried out. You will participate in a wide-range of group activities and projects, learning about sociological scholarship by undertaking and presenting elements of research. You will learn, for example, how to conduct interviews, design questionnaires and engage in ethnographic studies.

If you are studying Sociology as a Single Honours degree, you will also explore contemporary issues in Sociology, focusing

on inequalities, identity and social divisions within society. You will examine the bases of identity and issues of cultural diversity, including factors that perpetuate inequality and exclusion versus those which promote equality and inclusion. Social inequalities will be explored in terms of the social classifications of social class, race, ethnicity, dis/ability, religion, nationality, gender, sexuality, citizenship and age.

Year ThreeAdvanced Studies in Sociology

In your final year, you will explore the interconnection between local and global social processes and problems by investigating the ways in which daily life is governed in contemporary societies. You will be introduced to various sociological theories of power and resistance, which will enable you to both critically evaluate mechanisms and patterns which drive and sustain social inequalities, and to meaningfully reflect upon a variety of individual and group challenges to the status quo. You will explore a wide-range of sociological approaches towards consumer culture and advertising, social media, surveillance, terrorism, violence and social movements.

If you are studying Sociology as a Single Honours degree, you will also study the nature and extent of austerity within the context of neoliberalism - especially its impact on social relations. You will explore the sociological significance of the politics of austerity by engaging with the key contemporary readings and in-depth case studies. You will also examine a range of global social issues, such as human trafficking, and the ways in which today’s global processes affect the everyday lives of ordinary people.

You will also have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of specialist courses that reflect the research interests of staff within the School of Social Sciences. These choices range from courses on animal rights, poverty and precarious employment, and the sociology of stories, to health inequalities, migration, and social aspects of death, dying and bereavement, as well as many others besides.

All students will also undertake a dissertation research project on a topic of their choice.

COURSE STRUCTURE Teaching on this degree is structured into lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will also have workshops, guided reading activities and use the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. You will also have the opportunity to go on a number of fieldtrips, and to meet regularly with your personal tutor.

If you are studying Sociology as a Single Honours degree, in your first year of study there are approximately 12 teaching hours each week, which reduces to approximately 10 teaching hours in your second year and 8 teaching hours in your third year. If you are studying Sociology as part of a Combined Honours degree, in your first year of study there are approximately 6 teaching hours each week, which reduces to approximately 5 teaching hours in your second year and 4 teaching hours in your third year.

On top of teaching hours, you are also expected to spend a number of hours studying independently each week, as well as studying in groups to prepare for any group assessments that you may have.

In your third year you will be expected to attend one-to-one meetings with your dissertation supervisor.

ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACKThroughout your three years of study, you will have a number of assessments, including essays, portfolios, reports, individual and group presentations and written exams. In your final year, you will also complete a dissertation research project on a topic of your choice.

You will be given written feedback on your assessments, and you will have the opportunity to discuss this with your tutor in detail.

Sociology BA (Hons) Curriculum

CONTACTT: +44 (0)151 291 3000E: [email protected]

www.hope.ac.uk