CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN SOCIOLOGY - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module introduces students to key contemporary issues in sociology, media and communication, and criminology. Students will build foundational knowledge across these three disciplines by exploring a range of core concepts, themes, and approaches. In sociology, students will engage in topics such as social inequality, globalization, and identity. In media and communication, key debates around the impact of digital media, representation, and media ownership will be explored. Criminology will introduce students to issues such as criminal justice, deviance, and the role of the state in maintaining social order.

The focus of the module is to encourage students to think critically about the social world and the structures they reside in, applying interdisciplinary perspectives to understand and address contemporary issues. Through examining real-world case studies, students will learn how research in these fields can offer valuable insights into the functioning of society and contribute to solving pressing social challenges, such as inequality, crime, and media influence.

Module provider

Sociology

Module Leader

GREEN Hannah (Sociology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 3

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

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content includes:

Key Concepts, Themes, and Approaches in Sociology:
This section introduces essential sociological concepts, such as social inequality, which examines class, gender, race, and ethnicity. Students will explore how globalization impacts local societies and identities, along with the processes of socialization that shape individual identity through institutions like family and education. The roles of power and authority will be analysed, focusing on how power operates in society and the influence of institutions. Additionally, students will learn about social structures and institutions and their contributions to maintaining order and facilitating change.

Key Concepts, Themes, and Approaches in Media and Communication:
Students will explore media representation and its implications for power relations, particularly how different social groups are portrayed in media. The impact of digital media on communication practices and identity will be examined, alongside the dynamics of media ownership and regulation. This includes discussions on media bias and censorship. Audience studies will reveal how people consume and interpret media content, especially in the context of social media's influence on public opinion. Finally, ethical considerations around media practices, including issues of misinformation and privacy, will be discussed.

Key Concepts, Themes, and Approaches in Criminology:
This section covers theories of crime and deviance, providing insights into why individuals engage in criminal behaviour. Students will learn about the structure and functions of the criminal justice system, including policing and corrections. The relationship between crime, power, and social inequality will be explored, highlighting the disproportionate effects of crime on marginalized communities. Additionally, students will gain an understanding of criminological research methods and contemporary issues such as cybercrime, terrorism, and debates on punishment and rehabilitation.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate that they have (a) learnt critical engagement with academic literature and (b) can apply the gained knowledge to build an argument in an essay.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• One annotated bibliography in which the students can show their engagement, critical analysis and evaluation of academic literature.
   


• One essay in which the student can use the knowledge from the annotated bibliography and other reading from the module to demonstrate that they can build a logical and well-evidenced argument.

Module aims

• Introduce Key Concepts and Themes: To provide students with a foundational understanding of key concepts, themes, and approaches in sociology, media and communication, and criminology, including social inequality, digital media, and criminal justice.
• Develop Critical Analytical Skills: Equip students to critically analyse academic literature, media, and current events by applying social and criminological theories to real-world issues, deepening their understanding of societal structures and dynamics.
• Explore Interdisciplinary Perspectives: To highlight the intersections between sociology, media and communication, and criminology, demonstrating how these disciplines together contribute to a deeper understanding of societal challenges such as inequality, crime, and media influence.
• Apply Research to Contemporary Issues: To enable students to understand how research in sociology, media, and criminology can be applied to analyse and address contemporary societal problems, helping to identify potential solutions to these challenges.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy aims to cultivate critical thinking and interdisciplinary understanding among students. By exploring different approaches within sociology, media and communication, and criminology, students will learn to analyse social problems from multiple perspectives, recognizing the complexities involved.

Teaching/Learning Methods

Lectures:

Lectures will provide foundational overviews of key topics, essential theories, and contemporary case studies. These sessions will equip students with the knowledge to engage meaningfully with social challenges.

Seminars:

Seminars will follow lectures, promoting interactive discussions through group work and practical activities. Students will collaboratively analyse case studies and engage in debates, fostering a supportive learning environment that enhances critical thinking and communication skills.

Critical Engagement:

Students are expected to actively engage with weekly topics, preparing for discussions through assigned readings and reflective tasks. Contributions to group discussions will reinforce learning and promote a sense of community.

This strategy ensures that students develop a nuanced understanding of how sociology, media, and criminology can address social problems, preparing them for further study or careers in related fields.

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: SOC0001

Other information

The Department of Sociology is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

Employability

Students will develop transferable skills essential for various careers, focusing on critical thinking, reading, and writing. Through assignments, they will learn to analyse complex social issues, synthesize information, and articulate ideas effectively. Seminars will foster communication skills through discussions and debates, helping students express their thoughts confidently and engage in teamwork, making them more attractive candidates in the job market.

Digital Capabilities

Students will engage with digital technologies to access and analyse media sources for class tasks and assignments. Utilizing online databases and digital libraries will enhance their research skills and digital literacy, preparing them for a workforce where these competencies are increasingly valued.

Global and Cultural Capabilities

The module will highlight the social construction of crime in various global cultural contexts. Students will examine how cultural, social, and political factors shape perceptions of crime and justice. This understanding will equip them to navigate multicultural environments, enhancing their adaptability in diverse workplaces.

Resourcefulness and Resilience

Students will independently research, plan, and write essays, fostering resourcefulness as they identify credible sources and manage their time. They will develop resilience by addressing challenges in their research and writing processes. Additionally, seminar discussions will build their confidence and interpersonal skills, preparing them for collaborative professional environments.

Sustainability

The module addresses sustainability by exploring the social, media, and criminological aspects of contemporary issues like environmental justice and social equity. Students will analyse how sociological frameworks tackle resource access and environmental impacts, while examining media representations of sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the criminological perspective will be applied to understand environmental crimes and resource regulation. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to critically evaluate society's role in promoting sustainable practices and addressing urgent global challenges.

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.