Weekly whole group formal lecture, supported by weekly part-group seminars. Seminars will support students' learning through giving guidance on the use of independent study time, through supporting the development of study and other key skills, through encouraging students to engage with the major ideas and themes introduced in lectures via discussions guided by questions on central issues and through preparing students for their assessment. In addition, students are encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance relating to their progress and performance.

The nature of the sociological perspective - personal troubles and social problems.
The influence of the Enlightenment, of positivism and of political and industrial revolutions on the development of Sociology.
The concepts of social structure and social action/agency and their inter-relation.
These will be explored via a range of substantive issues which may include: the family, youth, education, religion for example.

One coursework essay

Macionis, J. & Plummer, J. (2002) 'Sociology: A Global Introduction', Prentice Hall.
Marsh, I. (ed) (2000, 2nd ed) 'Sociology: Making Sense of Society', Pearson Education.
Bilton, T. (2002) Introductory Sociology

The Library.
PCs with standard suite of University software providing access to e-mail, the Internet, word processing, etc.
Rooms with access for disabled students, and suitable for group work.
Video playback facilities.