Applied Theoretical Approaches in Social Science module (GE51012)

In this module you will learn about the core theories in social science. This will be accompanied with discussions of their practical application to contemporary social challenges. You will explore the link between theory and the social science methodologies used to 'produce' knowledge.

You will engage in classroom debate on a weekly topic, having prepared in advance. Staff will present a topic each week and assign a task. This will enable you to explore the topic in more detail the following week.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn the intellectual history of social science research
• be able to evaluate how social science knowledge can and should be ‘applied’ to contexts outside the academy
• be able to examine the relation between concepts in social science and the methodologies used to ‘produce’ this knowledge
• be able to evaluate different and competing epistemological, theoretical and philosophical positions

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• critically evaluate and compare different conceptual approaches to issues in the social sciences
• assess the relation between epistemology and methodology as applied to social science research
• understand the importance of robust methodology in conducting applied research
• debate theoretical and ethical issues with other students and an academic member of staff

Assignments / assessment

• coursework 1 (50%)
  • This will consist of one 2,500-word essay. One title will be provided to all students
• coursework 2 (50%)
  • This will consist of two 1,500-word essays. You will choose two questions from a list of six provided a week in advance

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• interactive student-led sessions