Geeky girl takes you home.......
Access Sociology will lead you into a variety of careers all those
that involve you engaging you mind in active thinking! You will be
knowledgeable and understand concepts, theories & topical subject matter
but also be able to analyse, criticise and evaluate the way in which societies
function.
Core Themes
v Socialisation,
culture and identity
By utilising the knowledge and skills on this course you should be
able to take a more informed and critical look at many aspects of all societies
and how they relate to people's lives, this will also empower you to develop
and transferable skills of informed debate and critical analysis.
Skills gained on a
sociology course can be of life-long benefit.
Course Administration
Sociology courses are co-ordinated by Tamara Williams (in extremely
cramped staff room A209) and taught by Rachel Jones (sharing edge of table in
extremely cramped staff room) and Simon Neale (in luxurious own office, god
like figure in the humanities department). Each student will also have a
personal tutor. Any problems about the course should be raised initially with
the lecturers or personal tutors. We are here to help you, and nothing is worth
worrying over in silence! The Sociology course aims to have a general drop in
session for advice this will have to be arranged if at all possible after
consulting student and staff timetables.
Sadly, this drop in session will be held on a Wednesday afternoon
post-3pm a time that all sociology students can attend. If you can make it then
we welcome you. I will inform you later of times and rooms!
At present A312, 3pm. The course will
be girled by either Rachel or myself.
Tutor contacts
Tamara Williams
Email: tamara.williams@fareham.ac.uk
Office: 01239 815312
Pigeonhole: in reprographics
Alternatively leave a message with reception 01329 815200
How will I be assessed?
For this we need to examine the assessment objectives:
AO1 KNOWLEDGE &
UNDERSTANDING
You will be required to remember and understand some of the ideas,
concepts, theories, authors and studies that we encounter during the year.
AO2 INDENTIFICATION, ANALYSIS,
INTERPRETATION & EVALUATION
Having understood and remembered some sociology. This will test your
ability to use it fruitfully. For example, can you apply what you have learnt
to other concept areas? Can you look at the different aspects within it? Can
you criticise/evaluate/debate it, saying what makes it “good or bad” sociology?
Topics
|
Module
|
Topic
|
Evidence of assessment
|
Credit value
|
|
Stage 1
|
Theory & methods
|
1.
Short question and answer test
2.
Seminar presentation and checklist by lecturer and
peers
3.
Worksheet
4.
Research proposal (1,000 words)
|
2
|
|
Stage 2
|
Differentiation & Stratification
|
1.
Tutor checklist for discussion topics and student
contributions
2.
Completed online test, with printout
3.
Completed seminar presentation forms
4.
Completed essays (x2)
|
2
|
Studying Sociology
The work done in class should be thought of as the basis for further
private study and reading. You should read, as much Sociology as you can - a
little each day is best. I know that picking up large heavy academic tomes is
scary but start by looking at the index and searching for names that are
familiar to you. See if you like the look of the page and if it looks appealing
read it, if not try another word/name or a different book. Many different books
exist on the same subject…they appeal to different types of learners!
In the library, there are a number of
subject reference books. These are marked by a green tape, and cannot be taken
from the library. I (Simon Neale) have chosen these books because they are good
general introductions to the subject, and they should be used regularly (i.e.
after every class) to back up the material that we study together.
For example, in class we might study, participant observation.
From this, you would come away with a basic understanding and set of notes or
handouts which give you the outline: a definition; and examples of some studies
which have used participant observation. Its advantages/ disadvantages are that
some ideas about it links with sociological theory; etc.
What to do next?
v
Review your notes to see
if the handout is clear
v
Read what your
textbook has to say about participant observation
v
Go to the library to see what the
textbooks on subject reference say about it. Use the index! (OPAC system)
v
Infotrac- This is an
excellent resource available in the library. It is an electronic search engine
which can look for a keyword in the archived media publications (such as
newspapers) and in academic journals. As we have an inter-library loans system
available here this would make a fantastic resource for your research projects.
v
Talk or phone your fellow
students
Materials
Course textbook
approximately £20. You can order it and receive it within a few weeks so get
your order in early!
Sociology in Focus
by
Taylor, Richardson, et al (Causeway
Press)
(This is also
available at www.amazon.co.uk
in the second hand book section for around £9.)
.
New sparkly
folder, with dividers bring along to every class
Variety of pens
Later on in the
year invest in a revision guide. I will bring along some examples.
I recommend that
you read the periodical Sociology Review. It aimed directly at the level market
and comes out 4 times a year. The library holds copies past & present,
though I believe if you order through the library a reduced subscription can be
obtained. I will forward you general details about subscription soon.
Library Sections
Sociology 301
Social Class 305.5
Work/unemployment 331
Politics 320.942
These are some
example of sections of the library to use for your research but do not be
limited by these section do a general search!
Sense
of humour!
