UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
Bachelors of Arts in Sociology with a Year Abroad1. Awarding Institution/Body / University of Kent
2. Teaching Institution / University of Kent at Canterbury
3. Teaching Site / Canterbury campus and partner institutions
4. Programme accredited by: / N/A
5. Final Award / BA (Hons)
6. Programmes / 1. Sociology with a Year in Finland (L301)
2. Sociology with a Year in Spain (L303)
3. Sociology with a Year in Hong Kong (L304)
4. Sociology with Italian (L373)
7. UCAS codes (or other code) / L301, L303, L304, L373
8. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group/s / Sociology
9. Date of production/revision / March 2010
10. Applicable cohort/s / 2011 entry onwards
11. Educational Amis of the Programme
For all programmes:
1. provide a programme that will attract, and meet the needs of, those who wish to combine the study of Sociology in the United Kingdom with a year abroad.
2. be compatible with widening participation in higher education by offering a wide variety of entry routes;
3. to produce graduates with analytical and knowledge based skills relevant to employment in the professions, public service and private sector;
4. to provide a broad knowledge of the key concepts, debates and theoretical approaches that inform the discipline of sociology;
5. to promote an understanding of contemporary social issues and the impact of diversity and inequality on local and national communities;
6. to provide an understanding of the social processes that influence the relationship between individuals, groups and institutions;
7. to develop problem-solving skills and an understanding of the nature and appropriate use of research methods used in sociological research;
8. to teach students key writing, research and communications skills;
9. to give students the opportunity of studying in a foreign country with the aim of broadening their perspectives and encouraging them more critically to reflect upon their societies of origin.
For the BAs in Sociology with Italian and a year in Spain only:
(Languages and Related Studies 2002 Subject Benchmark Statement [Lars-sbs] no. 3.0)
10. develop the ability to use the target language
11. develop knowledge of the language
12. develop knowledge of aspects of the cultures, communities and societies where the language is used
13. develop intercultural awareness and understanding
12. Programme Outcomes
The programmes provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas.
Knowledge and Understanding / Teaching/learning and assessment methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
A. Knowledge and understanding of:
1. A range of key sociological concepts and empirically based arguments and data.
2. The social processes that shape contemporary society and the relationships between individuals, group and social institutions.
3. Patterns of social diversity and inequality and their origins and consequences
4. The nature and appropriate use of diverse social research strategies and methods
5. How sociological knowledge can be used to evaluate social and public policy
6. The similarities and differences between the British and Finnish, Spanish, Italian or Chinese versions of modern society
For the BAs in Sociology with Italian and a year in Spain only:
7. A reasonable understanding of the target language including oral and written elements
8. knowledge and understanding of the cultures and societies where the language is used / All the learning outcomes are taught and assessed by a mix of methods including: lectures, seminars, assessed and unassessed coursework, individual and group presentations, small group work, web searches, student projects, optional dissertation, and unseen end of year exams. In most modules, assessment is through 50% coursework and 50% through an unseen exam. The special project is based on 100% coursework and no exam.
Teaching during the year abroad will typically be by means of short courses in small groups with ample opportunities for student participation and examined principally by coursework according to the regulations of the host university.
Students are expected to study modules amounting in total to 60 ECTS credits (120 credits). The marks gained are converted according to an established set of conventions in order to produce two module marks (equivalent to two 30-credit modules). These are taken into account in the calculation of the class of degree.
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual skills
1. Effectively applying knowledge in analysing complex social issues;
2. Research skills, including the ability to identify a research question and to collect, manipulate and interpret data;
3. An understanding and appreciation of different theoretical positions and schools of thought within sociology;
4. The ability to formulate and sustain a complex argument which is supported with appropriate evidence;
5. Appreciate a variety of normative and cultural positions
For the BAs in Sociology with Italian and a year in Spain only:
6. Effectively apply knowledge to analyse complex issues using the target language / Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined below. Each module, whatever the format of teaching, involves the critical reflection of key themes, verbal discussion and the written analysis and interpretation of the relevant material. Lectures and tutor led seminars and project work promote 1-5. Students are introduced to ways in which Sociological perspectives can be employed to interpret a range of social issues. Lectures encourage a critical awareness of the social world and an appreciation of the diverse ways of interpreting social phenomena. The lectures provide students with an outline of the sociological tradition, its practices and applications. Essays allow students to demonstrate their ability to think critically about sociological concepts and arguments.
Intellectual skills are assessed through coursework, which constitutes 50% of the final mark.
C. Subject-specific skills
1. The ability to communicate information and argument
2. The ability to plan research
3. The ability to use and apply sociological theories and concepts in an argument
4. The ability to express and evaluate the value and ethical dimensions of sociological practice
5. The ability to reformulate social issues from the standpoint of sociological analysis
For the BAs in Sociology with Italian and a year in Spain only:
6. A reasonable proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking in the target language
7. The ability to describe and analyse the main features of the language studied / All learners receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in the library and online resources. Comprehensive reading lists are provided for each module at outset, as are guidelines for the production of essays. Discussion of theoretical and conceptual issues are integrated into all modules. And students are encouraged to evaluate a comprehensive sample of sociological perspectives and texts.
Assessment through
· Guided assessment
· Discussion of issues
· Presentations in class
· Essays and projects
Marks for essays and exams
D. Transferable skills
1. Utilise problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
2. Communicate effectively
3. Develop the ability to communicate theoretical and empirical material and arguments through written and oral modes, including use of illustrative and supportive material such as overheads and computer aided presentations
4. Develop further skills such as: learning and study skills, information retrieval skills, communication and information technology skills, groups work skills and skills of time planning and management
5. Engage in group work
For the BAs in Sociology with Italian and a year in Spain only:
6. Proficient communication and appropriate use of the target language (both orally and in writing) / All courses require regular written work and regular feedback on this is given to the learner to help develop their power of presentation, analysis and communication. Skill 4 is learnt through the management of time to meet deadlines and in planning out projects. IT skills are learnt though course work and developed through individual learning.
Effective communication of ideas, problem solving and research skills are continually taken into account in assessing all areas of a learner’s work, and regular feedback and the final mark reflects this. Group work skills and skills of time planning and management are not formally assessed.
13. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards
The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. Students complete the programme in four years. Study on the programme is divided into a number of modules. Single-weighted modules carry 15 credits and double-weighted modules 30 credits. One credit corresponds to approximately 10 hours of "learning time". This includes all taught and supervised classes and all private study and research.
The programme is divided into four stages each comprising of 120 credits. The marks for credit achieved at Stage A are given half weighting in the final degree classification. Students must achieve specified requirements before being permitted to proceed to the next stage. Thus, for a full-time student each year of study involves approximately 1,200 hours of learning time. Each module is designated at one of three ascending levels, Certificate (C), Intermediate (I) or Honours (H). To be eligible for the award of an honours degree students normally have to obtain 480 credits, at least 300 of which must be Level I or above, and at least 105 of which must be level H or above. Students successfully completing Stage 1 of the programme and meeting credit framework requirements who do not successfully complete Stage 2 will be eligible for the award of the Certificate in Sociology. Students successfully completing Stage 1&2 of the programme and meeting credit framework requirements who do not successfully complete Stage 3 will be eligible for the award of the Diploma in Sociology
At its discretion the University allows for narrow failure in a small proportion of modules to be compensated by good performance in other modules or, in cases of documented illness or other mitigating circumstances, condoned.
Stage 1: Students are required to take 120 credits
Code / Sociology single honours / Level / Credits / Term/s
Required Modules
SO336 / Sociology of Everyday Life / C / 15 / Autumn
SO337 / Fundamentals of Sociology / C / 15 / Spring
Optional Modules
Please note: optional modules are subject to change. Please refer the current Stage 1 Handbook for an up-to-date optional module list
SO334 / Modern Culture / C / 15 / Autumn
SO335 / Contemporary Culture / C / 15 / Spring
SA300 / Social Problems and Social Policy – Youth, the Family and the State / C / 15 / Autumn
SA301 / Social Problems and Social Policy – The Market, the Family and the State / C / 15 / Spring
SA303 / Environmental Issues: Social Science approaches / C / 30 / Autumn and Spring
SO305 / Introduction to Criminology / C / 15 / Autumn
SO333 / Crime, Culture and Control / C / 15 / Spring
Stage 2: Students are required to take 120 credits
Required Modules
SO500 / Concepts and Theories in Sociology / I / 30 / Autumn and Spring
SO602 / Social Research Methods / I / 30 / Autumn and Spring
For Sociology with a year in Spain only, either:
LS504 / Learning Spanish 3B (Intensive Post A-Level) / I / 30 / Autumn and Spring
or
LS505 / Spanish (Advanced 1) / I / 30 / Autumn and Spring
For Sociology with Italian only, either:
IT508 / Learning Italian 2: Intermediate / I / 30 / Autumn and Spring
or
IT521 / Learning Italian 4: Advanced / I / 30 / Autumn and Spring
Optional Modules
In addition to the modules listed below, students can take a maximum of 60 credits over year 2 and year 3 in modules offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences or Humanities.
Please note: optional modules are subject to change. Please refer the current Stage 2&3 Handbook for an up-to-date optional module list
SO505 / Sociology of Crime and Deviance / I / 30 / Autumn and Spring
SO506 / Popular Culture, Media and Society / H / 30 / Autumn and Spring
SO509 / Health, Illness and Medicine / H / 30 / Autumn and Spring
SO525 / Environmental Politics / H / 15 / Spring
SO528 / ‘Race’ and Ethnic Identity / H / 30 / Autumn and Spring
SO530 / Sociology of Belonging / H / 30 / TBC
SO531 / Sex Gender Socialisation / H / 15 / Autumn
SO532 / Mental Health / H / 15 / Spring
SO533 / Gender, Crime and Criminal Justice / H / 15 / Autumn
*Students who are native speakers of the language or are otherwise deemed to already meet the learning outcomes of the module will be required to choose another 30 credits of culture/literature within the same discipline, at the discretion of the Module Convener and the Programme Director.
**If one of the required language modules for Stage 2 is unavailable an appropriate alternative language module must be taken in its place. The alternative language module must be agreed with the Director of Studies for the programme to make sure the student will be able to achieve the necessary language level.
Stage A (Year abroad: YA)In order to proceed to Stage A, students must achieve a 2:2 standard on either the average or the preponderance method – in Stage 2, including in their language module where relevant, and demonstrate satisfactory attendance and coursework submission records. Where required, language achievement for the BA in Sociology with a year abroad will be expected to be 40% or above as this is not a language programme. Basic knowledge of the host language is a requirement for ‘Sociology with Italian’ and ‘Sociology with a Year in Spain’. Teaching for all other programmes mentioned below is available in English. Progression to Stage A may also be subject to a satisfactory interview and students’ choice of destination is always subject to approval by the Programme Director at her/his discretion.
Students spend their Year Abroad at one of our partner institutions. Our partner institutions for these programmes are currently as follows:
Sociology with a Year in Finland (L301): The University of Tampere, International School of Social Sciences
Sociology with a Year in Spain (L303): The Universidad Autonoma of Barcelona