The City and its People
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCI3044 | Sociology and Social Policy | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- SOCI3044
- School
- Sociology and Social Policy
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The module’s goal is to invite students to make connections between what they learn in university and the places in which they live, work and study. The module explores some of the defining issues of contemporary urban life in the UK today, with this further reinforced through the presence of external speakers who will give students an insight into the challenges of balancing goals and deliverability. The module considers questions posed by urban theory and research of belonging, urban policy and politics, space and place, as well as methods for studying urban areas. The module will focus on areas including particular economies, histories, policy agendas, social networks, and urban imagery, which will be supplemented with key theoretical and research developments from around the world that have shaped contemporary urban life in the UK
Target Students
Only available to Level 3 and 4 students in the School of Sociology and Social Policy. Also available to exchange students.
Classes
To support engagement with the module, students will be encouraged to undertake structured visits to areas of Nottingham and/or other suitable locations. Risk assessment details will be provided on Moodle, which will include how to observe safely and to minimise risk. This will be mentioned in class and students will be directed to read the briefing. Clarification will be sought from the ethics committee regarding the necessity of ethical approval for observation, and whether this approval can be devolved to a module level. There is no element of human research in the module and student visits, which are encouraged but not enforced, will be observation only.
Assessment
- 75% Coursework: Coursework 3,000 words
- 25% Presentation: Group presentation (15 minutes)
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to develop student’s sociological knowledge in a ‘real world’ setting, one that will broaden their skills and boost their employability through the application of their research skills. It aims to support students in comprehending the ways in which cities change and grow; the ways in which we as individuals and as members of communities are made by our cities; and, in turn, the ways in which we can act to shape our cities.Learning Outcomes
Analyse the complex social, economic, and political factors shaping the urban experience.
Apply research methods, such as secondary data and observation, to the study of cities and their inhabitants.
Evaluate theories and concepts relevant to urban sociology making appropriate use of the relevant academic literature
Explain the ways in which the city can be seen as a dynamic and changing phenomenon.