This module will examine the notion of a social and political problem in the domestic context drawing on literature of Social Minorities, Citizenship and Community, Crime and Security. The module will approach a series of issues from a multi disciplinary perspective. It will consider a varying list of topics dependent upon currency, staff availability and student responses. For examples topics might include: poverty, in the UK and internationally, refugees and asylum seekers, social control of young people, regulation of cyberspace, impact of changes in media and communication technology, gender related issues including prostitution, social conflict including religious and ethnic, terrorism, discrimination based on gender, religion, sexual preference and levels of ability.

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 36 hours of class support and 114 hours of independent and self directed study.

The class sessions will include formal lectures, case study analysis and group discussions based on student experiences in the subject area. Students will be encouraged to integrate their work based experiences with new knowledge and skills developed in the classroom as the module progresses.

Staffordshire University electronic resources and off-campus library facilities
Module website

Amrozik, I. & Nocella, L. (1998) The Sociology of Social Problems, Cambridge University Press
Cochrane, A. and Talbot, D. (ed) (2008) Security, Crime and Society, Open University
Macionis, J.J. and Plummer, K. (2011) Sociology: A Global Introduction. Pearson.
Rubington, E and Weinberg, M.S. (2002) The Study of Social Problems & Perspectives.Open University Press

An essay (1500 words) (100%) (Learning Outcomes 1- 3).