A portfolio of work (equivalent to 4,000 words).
The portfolio to consist of materials generated from various independent study tasks set to students throughout the module [LO 1 - 7].

Key Information Set:
100% coursework

This module introduces students to a range of independent-learning and research skills and competencies required to pursue an undergraduate award in Sociology or Crime, Deviance & Society, and which are sought after by prospective employers.

The independent-learning skills addressed will include:-
Critical thinking; Note-taking; Academic writing; Presentation skills; Avoiding plagiarism and compiling a bibliography

The research skills which will be addressed will include: -
Library and internet research; Social and governmental surveys including the Census, the General Household Survey and the British Crime Survey; Questionnaire design and research including an introduction to SPSS; Data analysis

The module will also seek to stress the transferrable nature of the independent-learning and research skills taught in this module to the labour market, which relate to the university's agenda on employment, entrepreneurship and enterprise. Thus sessions will be included on: -

The nature of the graduate labour market; holistic thinking; the curriculum vitae

Bryman, A. [3rd ed. 2008] Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press.
Cottrell, S. [3rd ed. 2008] The Study Skills Handbook, Basingstoke, Palgrave.
Cottrell, S. [2nd ed. 2011] Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument, Basingstone, Palgrave.
Cottrell, S. [2003] Skills for Success, Basingstoke, Palgrave.
Home Office [no date] Home Office, http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/
Northedge, A. [1994] The Good Study Guide, Milton Keynes Open University Press.
ONS [no date] Neighbourhood Statistics, Office for National Statistics, http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/
Rumsey D, [2010] Statistics Essentials For Dummies. Chichester, John Wiley.

This is a blended learning module in which students will engage with group lectures, and seminars or workshops for 3 hours a week 5 times throughout the semester. The remainder of the module will consist of guided reading and Blackboard based activities which provide a basis for regular formative feedback. This directed study scheme form an explicit part of the independent learning strategy, requiring students to work on particular materials, issues and concepts. Face to Face sessions will introduce students to individual topics supported by workshops employing a series of practical exercises designed to allow students to practise, develop and demonstrate their research skills, and will also provide a means for preparing students for their assessment and identifying and supporting weaknesses in student learning through one-to-one tutor intervention.

During independent-guided study students are expected to practise their independent learning skills by focusing on a particular substantive topic. The independent study will therefore include: Guided reading and research; Secondary research; Primary research; Completion of assessment tasks.

KEY INFORMATION SET:
6.7% scheduled learning and teaching activities comprising:
Lectures
Seminars
Formative assessments
Personal tutorials

93.3% guided independent learning activities comprising:
Guided reading and research
Preparation for scheduled sessions
Completion of assessment tasks

The library and e-brary
Blackboard
Lecture and seminar rooms with Powerpoint presentation and DVD playback facilities
PCs with student access to email, internet and word-processing
Rooms with access for disabled students and suitable for group work