BSc ( Hons ) Sociology

1. BSc (Hons) Sociology Dr Mike Sheaff Prof Alison Anderson/Prof Sheena Asthana

2. Why study Sociology? Why Sociology at Plymouth? Real World Research by Real World Sociologists

3. Individuals, Relationships, Communities, Society, The World

4. Teaching & Learning What will I study? How will I be taught? What can I expect from staff? What is expected of me? Where does Plymouth Sociology appear in ‘league tables’ – and why do they differ?

5. Key points A strong emphasis on building student learning around theoretical, methodological and transferable skills etc. Access to extensive electronic resources e-journals Module information, reading lists etc. Module sites to organise these resources, including lecture notes/slides and other material. Introducing electronic submission of assessment and feedback systems to support student learning and development/progress. Lectures, seminars, workshops/practicals, and small tutorial groups

6. Explore the Social World Strong emphasis on first hand experience & analysis of the social world: Field Study visits – embedded in specific courses Core element in first year – in the South West Optional field trip in third year (West Africa) Students develop an understanding of local societies/cultures analyse these within broader regional, national & international contexts design and undertake their own empirical social research projects

7. Strong emphasis on international comparative sociology within the curriculum, with particular focus on global issues of poverty, injustice and inequality • ‘Modules have a focus on global issues that affect the future of humankind and display a wonderful sense of public sociology’ • [External Examiner, 2010-11] • Opportunities to study abroad Local and Global

8. Major strength – the way research underpins our teaching • Research-informed teaching embedded in core & optional • courses from first year through to final year • 75% research internationally recognised (last RAE) • Strong focus on policy research: in health, media, gender, • families & rural deprivation. • Staff involved in regional, national & international collaborations • Strong national profile within Sociology –staff hold leading • roles in British Sociological Association Teaching and Research

9. Real World Research:Examples from the Field Professor Sheena Asthana Professor Alison Anderson

10. Director: Professor Gayle Letherby • multi-disciplinary • vibrant research culture • focus on innovation and enterprise Three Research Centres: Centre for Methodological Innovations Director: Professor John Scott Culture, Community and Society Director: Professor Alison Anderson Centre for Health and Social Care Innovation Director: Professor Ruth Endacott

11. Commodifying Nature:Celebrity News as a Vehicle for Social Change? Professor Alison Anderson

12. Celebrities – A New Charismatic Megafauna? Celebrities as familiar strangers

13. Murdoch’s Conversion “The climate problem will not be solved without mass participation by the general public in countries around the globe. And that's where we come in… We can set an example, and we can reach our audiences. .. We want to inspire people to change their behaviour… For too long, the threats of climate change have been presented as doom and gloom-- because the consequences are so serious. We need to do what our company does best: make this issue exciting. Tell the story in a new way... there are limits to how far we can push this issue in our content… We must avoid preaching. And there has to be substance behind the glitz… And when so many of the solutions make sense for us as a business, it is clear that we should take action not only as a matter of public responsibility, but because we stand to benefit.” (Murdoch, 2007) http://www.newscorp.com/energy/full_speech.html

14. A Student’s View I chose to do my degree at Plymouth for several reasons. Firstly out of all the Universities I visited, Plymouth had the most friendly and inviting atmosphere. I had also heard that Plymouth had an excellent reputation for the social sciences. I found the syllabus offered interesting and the department staff really helpful and passionate about their subject. I was impressed with the fact that the department staff actively participate in their own research in their individual specialist areas - which I felt gave them broader and more up to date knowledge. Overall, going to Plymouth was a brilliant experience, I met a lot of great people and doing the course I did has opened up a lot of doors for me. It taught me many new skills and certainly broadened my horizons.’ Georgina Pacey – former BSc Sociology student

15. Entry Requirements GCSE Mathematics & English – Grade C or above A Level / AS Level – 260-300 (including a minimum of 160 points from 2 A Levels or a Double Award) Access to HE – QAA Recognised International Baccalaureate - 26

16. Top Two Champions for Global Warming Globally and in Live Earth Countries Nielson Online Survey, 2007 ‘Climate Change and Influential Spokespeople’

17. Influential Actors with the Under 25s Johnny Depp solar-hydrogen powered home Leonardo DiCaprio Producer and narrator in the film ‘The 11th Hour’

18. Climate Change in the News

19. The Rise of Politicised Celebrities in the News Source: Boykoff, M. & Goodman, M. 2009: 398.

20. Live Earth Celebrity endorsements do not automatically translate into wider cultural acceptance of a political message.

21. A Student’s View • I chose to do my degree at Plymouth for several reasons. Firstly out of all the Universities I visited, Plymouth had the most friendly and inviting atmosphere. I had also heard that Plymouth had an excellent reputation for the social sciences. I found the syllabus offered interesting and the department staff really helpful and passionate about their subject. I was impressed with the fact that the department staff actively participate in their own research in their individual specialist areas - which I felt gave them broader and more up to date knowledge. • Overall, going to Plymouth was a brilliant experience, I met a lot of great people and doing the course I did has opened up a lot of doors for me. It taught me many new skills and certainly broadened my horizons.’ • Georgina Pacey – former BSc Sociology student

22. A Student’s View I chose to do my degree at Plymouth for several reasons. Firstly out of all the Universities I visited, Plymouth had the most friendly and inviting atmosphere. I had also heard that Plymouth had an excellent reputation for the social sciences. I found the syllabus offered interesting and the department staff really helpful and passionate about their subject. I was impressed with the fact that the department staff actively participate in their own research in their individual specialist areas - which I felt gave them broader and more up to date knowledge. Overall, going to Plymouth was a brilliant experience, I met a lot of great people and doing the course I did has opened up a lot of doors for me. It taught me many new skills and certainly broadened my horizons.’ Georgina Pacey – former BSc Sociology student

23. Entry Requirements GCSE Mathematics & English – Grade C or above A Level / AS Level – 260-300 (including a minimum of 160 points from 2 A Levels or a Double Award) Access to HE – QAA Recognised International Baccalaureate - 26

24. Any Questions? Let us know what you thought of the day…. @PlymUni_HES facebook.com/PlymUniHES