An essay of 3,000 words to be submitted towards the end of semester 1 (50%) [LO 1, 2, 5]
A two-hour examination to be undertaken in early May. (50%) (LO 3, 4, 5]

Key Information Set:
50% Coursework
50% Examination

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. In semester 1 you will be looking at how sociologists have approached the concept of the life course and its relationship to biological aging in an increasingly insecure world. You will also be looking at the family, childhood, education, the transition from school to work, and sexuality and courtship. In semester 2 you will go on to look at the middle-age, parenthood and employment, retirement, 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. As a necessary part of these studies we will raise issues about the relationships which exist between generations and the concept of generational conflict.

Key Information Set:

The 16% schedule activities will consist of:
Twelve one-hour lectures
Twelve one-hour seminars supported by structured worksheets and case studies.
Twenty hours part-group contact in which ley issues relating to the life course will be discussed
Two introductory sessions
Two sessions of preparation for the assessments

The 84% independent guided study will consist of: -
Guided reading and secondary research
Preparation for seminars
Essay writing
A mock examination (on Blackboard) and examination preparation

Individual tutorial support will be provided on request and you will be encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance if required.

Formative assessment for the essay will take the form of a 500-word essay plan and bibliography for discussion in one of the seminars.

Formative assessment for the examination will take the form of a mock examination, which you will do in your own time, and which you will discuss with other students in one of the seminars.

Furlong, A. and Cartmel, F. (2nd ed., 2007) Young People and Social Change. Maidenhead: Routledge
Green, L. (2010) Understanding the Life Course. Cambridge: Quality Press.
Howarth, g. (2007) Death and Dying. Cambridge: Polity
Howker, E. and Malik, S. (2010) Jilted Generation: How Britain Bankrupted its Youth. London: Icon Books.
Hunt, S. (2005) The Life Course: A Sociological Introduction. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillian.
James, A. and James, A.L. (2004) Constructing Childhood. London: Palgrave.
Lawton, S. (2008) Identity: Sociological Perspectives. Cambridge: Polity.
McNeish, D et al (2002) What Works for Children? Open University Press
Pilcher, J. (1995) Age and Generation in Modern Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Wyness, M. (2006) Childhood and Society. London: Palgrave

Library based resources
A seminar room large enough for group work with a computer and projector for a PowerPoint presentation.
A lecture room with a computer and projector for a PowerPoint presentation
Computers with Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, SPSS and Accessibility Software
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.