This course studies and explores the contemporary social world.  It looks at a range of studies and theories which seek to explain social processes and social changes. The course will foster the development of critical and reflective thinking, provide an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues and emphasise different interpretations of social experiences:

• Study the formation of culture, the process of socialisation and its role in forming identity
• Explore the influence of class, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, the mass media and education on the attitudes, values and social experiences of both individuals and society
• Consider how the family is the main transmitter of culture in contemporary society
• Understand the influence of Globalisation and the digital social world
• Explore the patterns and trends relating to crime and deviance, as well as explanations for crime
• Consider the research process in context, exploring methods of data collection, analysis of data and research concepts
• Develop the skills of application, analysis, interpretation and evaluation
• Develop the ability to critically analyse explanations and features of the contemporary social world