TOURISM SOCIAL SCIENCE - 2020/1

Module Overview

This module is intended to explore the principles and concepts of tourism from the perspective of social science theories. The module covers a range of social science disciplines with a view to developing students’ multi-disciplinary social science approach to understanding the significance and role of tourism in contemporary society.

Module provider

Hospitality, Tourism & Events Management

Module Leader

SCARLES Caroline (Hosp & Tour)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Tourism as an industry and as a system


• Application of sociological theory to tourism


• Application of motivational theories to tourism


• Models of tourist typologies


• Micro and macro economics of tourism


• Application of political theory to tourism


• Theoretical perspectives on development


• Application of anthropology to tourism


• Ethics and tourism


• Emerging trends and issues in tourism studies

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Not applicable

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the extent to which they have:

• acquired an understanding of tourism from the perspective of social science theories;


• developed an ability to critically evaluate key issues and practices in tourism based on relevant social science theories.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• a two-hour closed book examination

Formative assessment and feedback

Verbal feedback at the end of each lecture will be given through mock exam questions and model answers. Additional feedback will be available in Week 11 through consultation with the module teaching team.

Module aims

• The module aims to examine the contribution of social science disciplines to the understanding of tourism. In doing this, it develops an understanding of the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of tourism studies, and provides a theoretical and analytical basis for the understanding of the complexities of tourism both as an industry and as a social phenomenon.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• to provide a framework of the existing knowledge and theories supported by examples and case studies;


• to introduce latest issues and thinking;


• to provide opportunities for students to explore, develop and evaluate theories and practices

The learning and teaching methods include:

• weekly three-hour lectures (x 11 weeks) designed to provide a framework of knowledge and theories


• in-class case studies and discussions to challenge their critical thinking.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MANM145

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2020/1 academic year.