2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP0175 Topics in the Social Sciences

20 Credits Class Size: 90

Module manager: Prof Lisa Buckner
Email: l.j.buckner@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Module replaces

SLSP0140 Researching and Studying the social Sciences

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is designed to introduce students to the different topics in the social sciences at university. The module is intended to give students an understanding of how different disciplines within social sciences approach the topics and subjects they focus on.

Objectives

This module aims to:

- Introduce students to the different potential topics and subjects in the social sciences for undergraduate study

- Develop knowledge of the approach in social sciences to the study of key topics such as crime and law, politics, education, and health

- Promote critical thinking as a key academic success in relation to different topics in the social sciences

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

1) Knowledge of the different topics studied in the social science

2) An understanding of the different approaches to the study of the social sciences in higher education

3) An ability to think critically about social science topics

4) Demonstrate academic writing skills

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1) Apply critical thinking to the approaches to social sciences by different disciplines

2) Demonstrate competence in Academic Integrity through appropriate use of source material

3) Demonstrate ability to reference source material appropriate in Leeds Harvard format

4) Communicate complex information, including technical concepts, accurately in written and verbal form

Teaching Methods

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

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

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. 

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
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

Reading List

Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list

Last updated: 30/04/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team