Sociology - BA (Hons)

University of Lincoln

Sociology addresses the most pressing issues of our times. It provides a framework for the study of human behaviour, examining how societies are organised, how social identities are constructed, and the issues facing some of the world's most marginalised people.Lincoln's BA (Hons) Sociology degree aims to prepare students with the knowledge, conceptual insights, and methodological skills so needed in our era of multiple social and political crises. You'll be encouraged to examine the fabric of different societies, the group dynamics of belonging and exclusion, and the workings of political structures. This includes - among a wide range of topics covered - studying the changing nature and role of the family unit how technological advances have transformed the way we interact what subcultures can teach us about mainstream society how 'the global' and 'the local' jointly shape everyday lives in the twenty-first century how inequalities are experienced and differences created.The curriculum draws on the expertise of staff from across Lincoln's School of Social and Political Sciences, whose research actively informs contemporary academic and policy debates.The first year covers key concepts and central themes in the social sciences, whilst also introducing you to the work of influential sociological thinkers. Alongside this theoretical grounding, you can develop your understanding of the value and particularities of different methodologies underpinning academic research in the social sciences. Our core modules in the first year are: Sociological Imagination Social Issues and Social Justice Applying Research and Key Social Science Concepts.In the second year, you can refine your research skills and data analysis techniques further and engage with the sociological canon in more depth, explore important areas of research such as the sociological study of cities, or of inter-generational dynamics and politics. At the same time, you can shape your learning around your own interests by choosing from a range of optional modules.Our third-year elective modules give you a wide choice of topics to explore from a variety of distinctly sociological perspectives. You can also study an area of your own choice and will receive support from a member of the academic team, as well as pursuing your own independent research project to draw on the thematic and conceptual expertise and methodological skills acquired during your studies.You'll be taught through a range of different pedagogical methods, including lectures, workshops, tutorials and seminars. The assessments vary from theoretical essays and critical paper reviews to policy briefs, portfolios and podcasts, which aim to provide our students with both theoretical and practical sociological skills. You will also be assigned their own personal tutor to assist in your studies.