CHALLENGE WEEK - 2024/5

Module Overview

This module will involve students collaborating on a week-long group project, with a primary emphasis on addressing issues within their respective subject areas that serve the public interest and promote the common good. After participating in a series of preparatory workshops, student groups will actively engage in identifying a societal need, scoping out the problem, defining a solution, executing the plan, and measuring its impact. Subsequently, they will present their solution to an academic panel and then the relevant social stakeholders. In addition to their group efforts, each student will compose a reflective project report to encapsulate their individual learning and growth throughout this experience. 

Module provider

Sociology

Module Leader

SHANAHAN Mark (FASS Admin)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 3

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 99

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

This is an opportunity for students to bring together strands from their subject-specific modules and apply them to an area of their own interest, within a social science context. They will be guided in their choice of topic areas to ascertain relevance and learning opportunities and will work, where possible, within teams of students on the same pathway (i.e. Law or Politics/IR or Sociology/Criminology/Media & Communications). 

 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

This is essentially a group project. If students cannot complete it, they can undertake an individual research project for the social good based on desk research.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy has been designed to empower students with the opportunity to showcase their proficiency in applying the specific skills and knowledge they have developed throughout the course. The assessments will require them to seamlessly integrate various elements drawn from different segments of the programme, showcasing their awareness of the multidisciplinary facets of knowledge and their ability to effectively transfer these skills to practical situations. This addresses Learning Outcomes 1-5. 

The summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• 
  Group Challenge Project
  


• 
  An individual reflective essay 
  

 

Formative assessment and feedback 
 

Regular class activities: throughout the module, students will participate in various in-class activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises. These activities will provide opportunities to assess their understanding, critical thinking, and application of knowledge. Feedback will be given on their contributions, encouraging them to refine their skills. 

Peer review: collaborative activities will include peer assessments, where students evaluate each other's work and presentations. This fosters a sense of responsibility, accountability, and the opportunity to learn from peers. Students will receive feedback from both their peers and the instructor. 

Progress reports: at various stages of the module, students will be required to submit progress reports on their group fieldwork. These reports will be assessed, and constructive feedback will be provided to guide their project development. 

Practice presentations: before the final group presentation, students will have the chance to practice and receive feedback on their presentation skills. This rehearsal will help them refine their content, delivery, and communication abilities. 

 


 

Module aims

• Provide students the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned across the programme through undertaking an intensive project:
  
  This module aims to offer students a practical outlet to apply the knowledge and skills they have accumulated throughout their academic journey. By engaging in an intensive, real-world project, they will gain first-hand experience in utilizing their academic insights to solve complex societal issues. This application bridges the gap between theory and practice, enabling students to see the tangible impact of their education on the world.
• Further develop teamworking skills and deploy those skills in a public setting:
  
  The module places a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. Students will not only strengthen their teamworking abilities but also apply these skills in a public setting. This practical application of teamwork fosters effective communication, division of responsibilities, and the capacity to work harmoniously with diverse team members. It prepares students for the demands of professional life where collaboration is often essential.
• Develop students' capacities of analysis and evaluation to help them present consistent and original arguments for appraisal:
  
  An essential aspect of this module is enhancing students' analytical and evaluative skills. They will learn to critically assess complex societal issues, formulate coherent and original arguments, and present them effectively. These skills are indispensable for future research, policymaking, and advocacy efforts, ensuring that students can present well-founded proposals and solutions in both academic and real-world contexts.
• Build confidence in relevant skills:
  
  By actively engaging in the process of identifying, scoping, executing, and evaluating solutions for real-world issues, students will build confidence in their abilities. They will gain assurance in their problem-solving skills, communication capabilities, and interdisciplinary knowledge application. This confidence is a crucial outcome of the module, as it empowers students to face future challenges with self-assurance and poise, both within their academic pursuits and in their professional careers.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is thoughtfully crafted to empower students to consolidate their specialized subject knowledge, cultivated over the course of the year, and apply it effectively in the creation of socially-impactful and common-good-oriented outputs in the realm of social sciences. 

 

The learning and teaching methods encompass: 

 

1. 
   Preparatory Workshops: 
   

• 
  These workshops serve as the foundation for defining thematic areas and projects. They also equip students with essential research methods and public engagement skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of their social science-focused activities. 
  

2. 
   Seminars: 
   

• 
  The seminars provide an invaluable platform for students to actively engage in feedback-seeking and receive guidance on the assessed components of their projects. It's a space for discussion, clarification, and refining their work, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. 
  

3. 
   Guided Individual Reading and Study: 
   

• 
  This method encourages students to explore and deepen their understanding through directed reading and independent research. It enables them to further develop their subject expertise and apply it to their projects. 
  

4. 
   Independent Study: 
   

• 
  Independent study is a crucial component, allowing students the autonomy to explore and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom. It empowers them to take ownership of their learning journey, fostering self-reliance and a deeper connection with the subject matter. 
  

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: SOC0004

Other information

The Foundation Programme in Social Sciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module contributes to the five pillars in the following ways: 

Employability  

This module supports students in developing valuable employability skills by having them work together on an intensive group project. They will address real-world issues related to their subjects, improving their communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Preparatory workshops will teach them how to manage projects effectively. Presenting their solutions to academic panels and stakeholders will enhance their public speaking and networking abilities. Additionally, a reflective project report will allow students to assess their personal growth, making them more competitive in the job market. Overall, this module provides a strong foundation for students to excel in their future careers. 

Digital capabilities  

There is a level of digital skill and ability that is expected and demonstrated through engagement with the content and learning materials. All teaching materials and key content will be made available in multimedia forms through the Virtual Learning Environment SurreyLearn. The module highlights the importance of digital technologies in creating positive societal impacts, through preparatory workshops that ensure students are well-equipped with the necessary digital tools and knowledge to tackle these challenges effectively. Presenting their solutions to academic panels and social stakeholders further hones their digital communication and presentation abilities. 

Global and cultural capabilities  

Through workshops and practical experience, students learn to identify and address global societal needs collaboratively. They present their solutions to academic panels and stakeholders, promoting responsibility for global impact. Writing reflective reports helps them absorb their personal growth and learning, preparing them to make informed, globally aware decisions in the future. This module equips students with the skills and perspectives needed to tackle global challenges and contribute to a better world. 

Sustainability 

By fostering collaboration among students from diverse subject areas, the module encourages a holistic understanding of sustainability that goes beyond disciplinary boundaries. The focus on addressing issues that serve the public interest underscores the module's commitment to instilling a sense of social responsibility. Through the various stages of the group project, students gain practical experience in identifying societal needs, developing sustainable solutions, and assessing the real-world impact of their actions. This hands-on approach not only deepens their understanding of sustainability but also equips them with the skills and mindset necessary to effect positive change in their communities and beyond. Moreover, the reflective project report encourages students to introspect and document their personal growth, ensuring that they emerge from this module with a deeper sense of purpose and commitment to sustainability. 

Resourcefulness and resilience  

This module is designed to foster resourcefulness and resilience in students by immersing them in a dynamic and challenging learning environment. As they work together to identify societal needs, develop solutions, and measure their impact, they learn to adapt and persevere in the face of obstacles. Presenting their solutions builds their confidence and communication skills, enhancing their resilience. This module cultivates a sense of empowerment and self-reliance, preparing students to navigate future challenges with confidence and determination. 

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 2024/5 academic year.