Module manager: Dr Ben Hirst
Email: B.Hirst@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
SLSP0021 Traditions of Thought in Social Science SLSP0080 Introduction to Social Welfare Understanding Social Welfare SLSP0130 23/24 SLSP0180 Welfare Policy in Action
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module introduces students to the study of the social sciences through an examination of the role and impact of culture in contemporary society. To understand the role of social science and its impact in understanding society and culture, students will be introduced to central themes within the social sciences and will engage in contemporary cultural debates throughout the module, alongside key sociological ideas. Students will be encouraged to connect big ideas in social science to everyday experience.
This module will:
- Introduce key debates in the social sciences by considering the role of culture, cultural production and interaction in contemporary society.
- Introduce students to the social sciences through critically exploring a wide range of cultural practices.
- Support students to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence required to contribute to informed debate about contemporary examples of culture in the context of social scientific debate.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1) Demonstrate the ability to think critically about social scientific topics.
2) Conduct literature searches and identify relevant and appropriate social scientific information.
3) Demonstrate academic writing skills.
4) Cite and reference different types of sources using Leeds Harvard format.
5) Develop lines of argument and make reasoned judgments in accordance with theories and concepts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1) Apply critical thinking to a range of social scientific debates surrounding culture and society
2) Evidence academic writing ability through the completion of coursework
3) Demonstrate competence in Academic Integrity through appropriate use of source material
4) Demonstrate ability to reference source material appropriate in Leeds Harvard format
5) Communicate complex information, including technical concepts, accurately in written and verbal form
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 167 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 33 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided for each summative assessment task, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to that task. As part of this, each student will receive feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative task.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Coursework | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 15/12/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team