Portfolio of approximately 2,500 words (weighted at 100%), consisting of

1) An essay of approximately 1,250 words on the concept of the life course-50% (LO 1, 3 and 4)
2) An essay of approximately 1,250 words on one life stage-50% (LO 2, 3 and 4)

The portfolio will be marked in two stages.

This module looks at the changing nature of the life course in Britain under the transition from a traditional to a modern society and from a modern society to late modernity. Particular stress throughout the module will be placed on how the life course is becoming more uncertain, less predictable and less secure in an increasingly uncertain, insecure and globalised world. In addition it will be shown how these changes have important ramifications on how people establish their identities as well as their feelings of security. Amongst the themes that will be examined are the family, childhood, education, the transition from school to work, middle age, old age, life expectancy and death. During the module, the differing experiences of males and females will be examined as will the influence of social class on the life course.

Teaching will be based on a traditional weekly one-hour lecture and one-hour seminar. During the module students will be encouraged to reflect and think about their own life experiences and on how they relate to the literature.

Computers with access to the Internet, Blackboard and Microsoft Office.

Adam, et al (ed., 2000) The Risk Society and Beyond: Critical Issues for Social Theory.London:Sage
Banks, M. (ed., 1992) Careers and Identities.Buckingham:Open University Press
Beck U. (1992) The Risk Society. London:Sage
Beck U. (2008) World at Risk. Cambridge:Polity Press
Gill, T. (2007) No Fear: Growing up in a risk averse society. London: Gulbenkien Foundation. http://www.gulbenkian.org.uk/media/item/1266/223/No-fear-19.12.07.pdf [19th Jan 2010]
Hunt, S. (2005) The Life Course: A Sociological Introduction. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Pilcher, J. (1995) Age and Generation in Modern Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press.