Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate (FHEQ level 5) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | SP20004 Coursework - Re-assessment only (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: 1. to critically examine the history and nature of changing patterns of family formation and dissolution in modern societies, and the policy responses to these; 2. to explore the ways in which the nature, structure and functions of the family have been explained and interpreted in contemporary sociological theory. 3. to place the study of the family in the wider context of contemporary social trends, particularly individualization and the division between public and private spheres. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit, students will have: * studied key sociological texts relating to various aspects of the family in modern society; * examined the ways in which governments seek to regulate family behaviour, comparing the UK with other countries; * explored the way in which family (kin) relationships have been theorised to adapt to increasing individualization and regulation. By the end of the unit, students should be able to: * access a range of sources relating to family structure and family trends; * apply different theories and approaches to the study of family and individualization; * critically analyse the values and assumptions underlying state policy and the family. Skills: * To think creatively and analytically; * To communicate an argument; * To evaluate others' arguments and research; * To learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs (i.e. identify strengths and improve weaknesses in methods of learning and studying); * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.); * To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge; * To analyse and evaluate innovative practices in students' relevant degree discipline; * To explore a variety of relationships and environments relevant to learning and practising within the context of the students' degree discipline; * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of sociological/social policy analysis within a variety of environments; * To develop study & Learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing); * To develop inter-personal and communication skills; * To develop revision and Examination skills; * To develop time-management and administrative skills; * To develop presentation skills and verbal communication (i.e. seminar and tutorial contributions); * To lead others confidently and competently; * To solve problems in a variety of situations; * To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills. Content: Portrayal and reality of the family today; Historical development of the family; Emergence of the nuclear family; The economics of the family; Falling birth rates and policy responses; Comparing 'Western' families and policies; The family in contemporary theory; Family obligations; Intergenerational ties; Marriage and divorce; Parenting together and parenting apart; Romance and Love; Diversity or Breakdown? |
| Programme availability: |
SP20004 is Compulsory on the following programmes:Department of Social & Policy Sciences
SP20004 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
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