Module Directory

This module aims to establish a theoretical foundation for students pursuing degrees in Social Science through the introduction of some key theories and concepts associated with the fields of Sociology, Criminology and Psychoanalysis and Psychosocial studies. The relevance of these theories will be demonstrated through opportunities to consider their role in specific contemporary social issues.

In Autumn Term, students will use the lens of psychoanalysis to explore how people interact within society. They will consider the way individuals affect one another and how institutions affect the people who work in them and vice versa. Spring Term focuses on criminological theory and its application to contemporary society whilst also encouraging the development of a Sociological Imagination through considering current social issues based on the work of key social theorists.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide an introduction to the key concepts within Criminology and Sociology along with Psychoanalytic and Psychosocial thinking as applied to individuals, groups, organisations and society.


• To introduce students to interdisciplinary thinking through the consideration of aspects of Criminology, Sociology and Psychoanalysis and Psychosocial studies within the context of contemporary social issues.


• To encourage students to be confident in the expression of their thoughts and ideas in seminars and groups whilst maintaining a compassionate, supportive approach to self and others in that context.


• To provide foundation knowledge and build on students' understanding about the dynamics of groups and society with the wider psychosocietal context.

By the end of this module, a student will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of main concepts related to Criminology and Sociology and the social context of crime.


2. Demonstrate knowledge of key psychoanalytic and psychosocial concepts as they apply to individuals, working and living in groups, in organisations and in society.


3. Apply appropriate skills to help facilitate compassionate management of groupwork.


4. Demonstrate skills in identifying appropriate academic sources and ability to incorporate into assessments, reference to relevant and appropriate research.


5. Reflect on tasks and learning with a view to understanding self as learner in Higher Education.

Skills for your professional life (Transferable Skills)
 
By the end of this module, a student will have practised the following transferable skills:

1. Critical thinking skills - understanding and exploring complex theories and ideas developed in lectures, classes discussion groups and seminars.


2. Communication skills (written and oral) - discussing and sharing in a compassionate, supportive, patient and understanding manner.


3. Listening skills - the ability to listen actively and receive, interpret and understand messages as part of the communication process.


4. Organisational skills - (e.g. working independently, taking initiative, time-management.) Students are encouraged to work independently and to explore problems on their own initiative. The lecturer fosters these skills by providing bibliographies and referring to articles or books which students may then go and read.


5. Inter-personal skills - (e.g. ability to work with or motivate others, flexibility/adaptability). The ability to work with other people is fostered in the experiential exercises which provide deep learning about working in and with groups.


6. Research Skills - students are encouraged to learn some research skills through selecting and evaluating relevant sources, using the University Library and desk research.

Indicative Syllabus

Autumn Term

• Week 2 Introduction to psychoanalytic and psychosocial concepts


• Week 3 Our adult world and its roots in infancy


• Week 4 Intrapersonal dynamics


• Week 5  Interpersonal dynamics


• Week 6  Group dynamics


• Week 7  Intergroup dynamics


• Week 8  Organisational dynamics


• Week 9  Authority


• Week 10 Social defence Systems


• Week 11 Synthesis and Reflection

Spring Term

• Week 16: Criminology and Sociology


• Week 17: Who commits crime, who controls it and how do we know?


• Week 18: Crime and the media


• Week 19: Gangs


• Week 20: Sociology and Identity: Class, Gender and Ethnicity


• Week 21: Sociology and Politics


• Week 22: Sociology and Sociolinguistics - the impact of what we say and how and where we say it


• Week 23: Sociology and the World of Work


• Week 24: Writing Studios – Case Study Assignment Guided Preparation


• Week 25: Society and Global Challenges

Summer Term

• Week 30 Researching Sociology and Criminology - introducing various research methods relating to social sciences


• Week 31 Researching the Unconscious - introducing various research methods for applying psychoanalytic ideas to social science - Socioanalysis, Social Photo Matrix, Narrative methods and Social Dreaming.

Teaching and learning on Essex Pathways modules offers students the ability to develop the foundation knowledge, skills, and competences to study at undergraduate level, through a curriculum that is purposely designed to provide an exceptional learning experience. All teaching, learning and assessment materials will be available via Moodle in a consistent and user-friendly manner.

The module is delivered via a 2-hour lecture and a 2-hour seminar or experiential learning class per week.

Learning support

Students are expected to engage with Moodle for materials and support activities. Students are also supported through the Listen Again facility and other teaching and learning technologies such as the TALIS list. All students will also be assisted during a weekly Academic Support hour.