The Role of Social Science in Understanding Our Lives and Society

Social Science as a Way of Knowing About the Social World

Which answers the following question:

How can social science help us to better understand our lives and the lives of others in society? Answer with reference to TWO topics that we have covered on this module.  

Your essay should identify and discuss relevant concepts and theories that we have covered during the module or which you have discovered during your research. Use real world examples or other empirical evidence to illustrate or support your arguments.  Support your discussion with references to social science literature.

Your essay should follow this structure:

NOTE THAT THE SUB-HEADINGS BELOW ARE FOR GUIDANCE.  REMOVE ALL SUB-HEADINGS BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY.

Briefly state your answer to the question and outline the argument that will follow.

oBriefly discuss social science as a way of knowing about the social world.

oExample 1 – Refer to ONE of the topics we’ve covered on this module, using relevant theories, concepts and empirical evidence to support your answer to the question.

oExample 2 – Refer to ANOTHER topic we’ve covered, again using relevant theories, concepts and empirical evidence to support your answer to the question.

Summarise the argument you have made. Reflect on the significance of what you have argued.

This assignment has been designed to provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your achievement of the following module learning outcomes:

LO 1 Demonstrate ways of learning and knowing about society and the sociological imagination.

LO 2 Demonstrate understanding disciplinary language, vocabulary and investigation techniques in social science study.

LO 3 Apply key concepts to real world phenomena and experiences.

LO 4 Demonstrate acquisition of a range of academic skills.

1.All work to be submitted as Arial 12 font with 1.5 line spacing.

2.Include a list of references at the end of the assignment. This will not be included in the word count.

3.State the total number of words used. Put this at the end of the essay before the reference list, e.g. “Word count: 1,521)”.

4.You may use subheadings in this assignment. Note that you do not have to include the words “Introduction”, “Main body” and “Conclusion” as subheadings, as this will be self-evident.

Please reference your work according to the Harvard style as defined in Cite Them Right Online (http://www.citethemrightonline.com). This information is also available in book form: Pears, R. and Shields, G. (2019) Cite them right: the essential reference guide. 11th edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Copies are available via the University library.

Your work will be assessed on the extent to which it demonstrates your achievement of the stated learning outcomes for this assignment (see above). This assignment will be marked according to the following:

·Development of well-structured and clearly expressed argument

·Evidence of understanding of relevant concepts, and use of empirical evidence to support points

·Evidence of independent research and reading that draws on appropriate sources

·Accurate in-text referencing and reference list

Have you read and understood the assessment criteria?

Have you met the learning outcomes? You will lose marks and your work may even   be failed if you have not.

Have you demonstrated you can think and write critically in the completed work?     

This means you have supported your arguments/explanations appropriately e.g. using relevant academic sources and you have offered discussion points which extends your own or others’ viewpoints to make reasoned conclusions/judgements.

Have you maintained an academic tone throughout your work? Is your work formal, focused, developed and clear?

Have you checked that the referencing in your assignment is in line with your programme requirements?

Have you proof-read your work and used spellcheck software to check your spelling and grammar?

Have you checked the presentation of your work is as specified by your tutor, for example, are font size, colour, style, line spacing and margins as the tutor specified?

Have you kept to the word count (or equivalent)? If you are not sure, check with your tutor.

Can you confirm that the work submitted is your own and not plagiarised?