WEA Course Information Sheet 2014-15

Course title: Sociology: How Society Works – an Introduction
Course reference:C2417528 / Tutor(s): Louise Henshaw
Venue: The Compass Theatre, Glebe Ave, Uxbridge, Ickenham, Middlesex UB10 8PD / Fee:£86.90
Start date:26/09/2014 / End date:12/12/2014 / Day(s)/time(s): Friday 1.30pm-3.30pm
Number of sessions:11 / Hours per session:2 / Level:3
Title of qualification to be gained (if any):
Awarding body (if any):
Essential materials e.g. books and equipment to be provided by the student
Please bring a pen, paper and a folder to the first and subsequent sessions.
Course aims:
The course is designed to give a broad overview of sociology and its applications in everyday life. The course will investigate key social institutions, and look at the theories and concepts underpinning them.
Course description:
(This is displayed on the WEA website.) Summarise the course and its content in 40 words or fewer.
What is society? How does it work? How do we as individuals fit in and operate in social groupings? Designed to be thought provoking, we will 'cherry pick' topics some of the more intriguing aspects of sociology, such as crime, mass media, education and religion.
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
No prior knowledge of the period is required to enroll on this course.
Fluency in spoken and written English is essential
This course is placed at advanced level – roughly equivalent to A level (level 3)
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
Absolutely no pre-requisite needed, the course is designed to stimulate debate, give you an insight to what makes society tick, using the examples of social research. You will be inspired to look at the world in a different way and maybe to conduct your own small scale sociological investigations!
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used ü
Demonstration / Discussion / ü / Group work / Individual work
Small Scale Projects / ü / Research / Role play / Written work
Question and answer / Activity outside class time / Observation / Practical work
Presentation / ü / Field trip / Other (state)Quizzesü
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
·  Learners will be requested to carry out independent research and present their findings to the plenary.
·  Learners will be able to monitor their learning progress through structured group activities, pair work, and group discussion.
·  This is a non-accredited course. On 80% attendance and achievement of the Learning Outcomes you can request a WEA Certificate of Achievement
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1.learners will be able to describe the history of sociology; its origins and function
2. identify key sociologists relevant to this course
3. identify 4 key sociological institutions and theories attached to them
4.
5.
Reading and information sources: Is any reading/preparation essential or desirable?
Nothing required
Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
Further study within the WEA of other periods of history, or students could be directed to an accredited A level history course in the further education sector.
You can read about your entitlements and responsibilities as a WEA student in our leaflet, Services for Students here http://www.wea.org.uk/courses/information This includes information on fees, learning support and financial support.
As part of your first course you accept a learning agreement. This applies to all courses you take in this academic year. You should have a copy of the learning agreement (the tear-off portion of your enrolment form), but if not please ask for a copy from your tutor.
You can enrol online for some courses http://www.wea.org.uk/courses or contact London & Southern Regions Support Centre: Email: london& Tel: Freephone 0800 328 1060

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