NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

Semester 0 2015-2016

INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL SCIENCE

(F201B2)
Module Outline

ACCESSIBILITY
If you would like a hardcopy of this or subsequent documents in an
alternative format, or have other concerns around issues of accessibility,
please contact the Module Convenor or the Business School
Disability Liaison Officer, Dr. Patricia Ang Mei Mei (EB30, First Floor,
Block E; E-mail: Patricia.Ang@nottingham.edu.my; Tel: +6(03) 8924
8268).

NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

FOUNDATION IN BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
SEMESTER 0 2015/2016
F202B4: Business Discourse (10 credits)
Module Convenor:
Room No.:
Telephone:
E-mail address:
Office Hours:

Sugunamalar Vijayaratnam
EB 19, First Floor, Block E
03 8924 8260
Sugunamalar.Vijayaratnam@nottingham.edu.my
Monday
9 am 11 am
Wednesday 9 am 11 am
Thursday
9 am 11 am

Module Aims and Objectives:

This module aims to:

provide a basic understanding of the nature of social science.

introduce the field of sociology and its key themes as they relate to the
study of management and business as well as modern society.
facilitate the development of awareness of the language and methodology
associated with the study of social science

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the module, students are expected to have developed knowledge and
skills in these areas:
a

Knowledge and understanding

know and understand the underlying concepts and principles of social science as
they relate to the study of business management as well as modern society.
Intellectual skills

The cognitive skills of critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, including the ability
to identify assumptions, to detect false logic or reasoning, to identify implicit
values, to define terms adequately and to generalise appropriately

Qualitative problem solving and decision making skills

The ability to organise ideas gained from theoretical understanding of social science
principles and apply them to business and management situations
Professional/practical skills

Qualitative skills of problem analysis, research and solution, including the ability to
work with case studies
Self-awareness, teamwork and leadership skills
Transferable (key) skills

c.

Competency in all aspects of English Language to a level required for the study of
an undergraduate degree programme
Study skills including critical thinking, argument, essay and report writing and oral
presentation
oral and written communication skills in a range of traditional and electronic media,
negotiation and persuasion leading to effectiveness in interpersonal interaction
Independent learning
Ability to work constructively in groups

Method and Frequency of Class:

Lectures One lecture per week for 10 weeks. Each lecture will last 2 hours.
Tutorials Five tutorials throughout the semester. Each tutorial will be an hour.
Lectures will be used to provide the structure and a summary of the knowledge base of
this module. Topics will then be developed in more depth during tutorial sessions.
Students will be expected to attend all classes. It is important that students have
undertaken the self-learning activities referred to in the course hand-outs to prepare
themselves for the tutorials and examination.
Assessments:
(a)

Assessments are by way of:

Assignment (30% of module evaluation),
The normal length of time given for completion of assignments is 2 weeks. Students are
expected to research their subject matter well and quote references in their assignments.
Marks will be given for research, content, structure and analysis.
This assignment is to be completed as a group work. Each group should comprise of 6 to
7 members. It is the students responsibility to select the group they want to work in.
Individual assignments will NOT be entertained and will be given a mark of zero.
(b) Test (70% of module evaluation)
The structure consists of a combination of short answer and essay style questions.
The test is made up of two sections:
Section A comprises compulsory short answer questions.
Section B consists of essay style questions.
The end of semester test will be 90 minutes in duration and will take place in July.
Lecture Outline
Lecture 1 (7th May):
An Overview of Social Science
The disciplines of Social Science
The scientific method
Lecture 2 (14th May):
Cultural Dynamism of Society
Role of culture in society
Elements of culture
Cultural variation
Lecture 3 (21th May to be held in F1A11)
Society: An Integration of Geography, Demography and Ecology
A brief overview on demography

Urbanisation
Ecological balance
Lecture 4 (28th May)
The Psychological Realm of Society
Socialisation
Agents of socialisation
Social structure
Lecture 5 (12th June):
Deviance and Social Control
Social control
Deviance
Lecture 6 (19th June):
Education as a Social Institution
Schools as agencies of social control
Examining the school system
Lecture 7 (26th June):
Dimensions of Stratification
Social and economic stratification
Race & Ethnicity
Lecture 8 (26th June):
Global Inequality
The global divide
Stratification in the world system
Lecture 9 (2nd July):
Government and the Economy
Economic systems and forms of government
Functions of government
Lecture 10 (9th July):
Revision
Tutorials
Tutorial
Tutorial
Tutorial
Tutorial
Tutorial

1
2
3
4
5

Week
Week
Week
Week
Week

beginning 25th May

beginning 9th June
beginning 16th June
beginning 30th June
beginning 5th July

References:
Prescribed Text:
Schaefer, R.T. (2013) Sociology A Brief Introduction (9th ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill
Hunt, E. F. & Colander, D. (2011) Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society
(14th ed.) London: Allyn and Bacon
Supplementary Text:

Perry, J. & Perry, E. (2009) Contemporary Society: An Introduction to Social Science (12th
ed.) London: Allyn and Bacon
Macionis, J (2013) Society: The Basics (12th ed.) Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson
Education

To enhance the learning experience:

Students are expected to attend all classes. Lectures will be conducted for
full 2 hour sessions as timetabled and lecture notes will be made available
on Moodle. Students should do their own studies and add on to notes in
order to fully comprehend lecture contents. Discussions and interactive
sessions between students or between lecturer and students are welcome.
This may take place in class or outside scheduled hours. In order to see the
lecturer concerned for discussions or queries, appointments may be made;
otherwise you may drop in during specified consultation hours.
Students should make every effort to keep abreast with current world
business news and trends by reading the local newspapers as well as visiting
business websites. From time to time articles of interest will also be handed
out in class or posted on Moodle. Students are expected to be independent
and utilise the computer and library facilities to enhance their learning
experience. For communications, please use the Outlook facility provided.
This may be accessed from home or from school and is the main medium of
communications in the university. All notices regarding classes, assignments
and etc. will be posted on to your Outlook email addresses/Moodle. Failure
to check your Moodle and emails will have disastrous consequences,
therefore please check them every day.