This optional Year 1 module introduces students to elementary aspects of the humanities and social sciences as methods of understanding and engaging with the world. It provides an introduction to some of the topics that students will encounter in undergraduate programmes within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, but it also offers new skills and perspectives of interest and use to all students, regardless of their programme choice. It introduces students to important questions and debates about society, nations, language, media, and more. In studying this module, students will develop their self-study ability, critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural awareness. It also introduces students to key academic skills that are essential for effective independent learning, such as identifying and interpreting research questions, reading academic texts, using different types of data, and referencing appropriate sources.
A Demonstrate familiarity with contemporary issues and topics in the humanities and social sciences.
B Demonstrate a capacity to engage in an academically rigorous fashion on a topic in the humanities and social sciences.
The lectures provide students with knowledge of the subject area, with an emphasis on fundamental theories, topics, and contemporary questions and issues within the disciplines of the humanities and social sciences. The lectures also introduce students to simple questions and issues around research methodology, standard academic conventions and norms employed in the study of the humanities and social sciences.
Basic skills in writing, referencing, and critical thinking are developed through online exercises and tasks, and via formative and summative assessment preparation. The focus here is placed on strengthening students’ English writing and comprehension skills, and in the appropriate use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).