TOURISM SOCIAL SCIENCE - 2025/6

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

Surrey Hospitality & Tourism 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.

• an essay


• an online examination 

Module aims

• Examine the contribution of social science disciplines to the understanding of tourism
• Develop an understanding of the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of tourism studies
• Provide 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

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


• Weekly seminars (x 11 weeks) of 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

Other information

This module adopts the university curriculum framework which aims to develop learners with strong capabilities in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module contributes to the development of the following capabilities:

Digital Capabilities: Teaching and learning materials are provided in several formats, and students are encouraged to use discussion boards for communication. Students will be provided instruction on digital literature review searches that aides in the development of independent learning and assessment preparation. Students will also engage in in-class group activities that use on-line networks and social media to analyze social phenomena.   

Global and Cultural Capabilities: The module involves the introduction of diverse social science perspectives, which draw from a range of disciplines, countries, cultures and environments. This allows students to engage with diverse global and cultural perspectives through in-class discussions and the final exam. The high level of critical analysis required by the module ensures that all students have a voice in the classroom, including those who do not have English as a first language. This creates discussion and dialogue to co-construct meaning with others through in-class discussions.  

Sustainability: This module motivates students to critically evaluate the nexus of the role of tourism in contemporary society with issues of environmental, social and economic sustainability. This includes debate with other students on the relevance of sustainability to social science understandings of tourism. Students will also apply their knowledge to real world sustainability problems through in class case studies and discussion that will allow students to gain insight into creating recommendations for sustainable development.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: Mock exam questions at the end of each lecture build self-evaluation into the assessment process, creating necessary space for students to reflect on their own performance. Students will also be encouraged to discuss strategies and ways of approaching the exam questions to help students learn to exchange and gain ideas. The critical nature of the in-class discussion will also help to foster openness by encouraging students to understand discuss contrasting perspectives. 

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 2025/6 academic year.