1ba sociology and political studies handbook 2020 · 1ba sociology and political studies year...

1BA Sociology and Political Studies Year Handbook

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YEAR 1

SEMESTER 1HANDBOOK

2020-2021

SOCIOLOGICAL AND POLITICAL STUDIES

Important notice concerning teaching arrangements in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic

To support our students on and off campus in the context of Covid-19, all modules will be

available in online and remote formats in 2020/21 Academic Year, with regular

communication between students and lecturers.

In line with the University’s commitment to providing an on-campus experience, in-person

learning support sessions and some classes will also take place where it is possible and safe

to do so subject to public health guidelines.

Students are strongly advised to check the NUIG FAQs page regularly for updates:

http://www.nuigalway.ie/alert/studentfaqs/


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Year Coordinator: Jacqueline Murphy

[email protected]

Course Validation: National University of Ireland, Galway

Published by National University of Ireland, Galway

© National University of Ireland, Galway 2020

Please Note:

The information given in this course guide is intended as a guide to the students on the course

and as such does not constitute a contract thereof between NUI Galway and a student or any

other party or representatives concerning same. Please note that the information provided is

provisional and may be subject to change by the University at any time.


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Contents

1.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Who are we? ................................................................................................................................ 4

1.3 What is Sociological and Political Studies? .................................................................................. 4

2. Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................................ 6

2.1 How will my modules be delivered in Semester 1? ..................................................................... 6

2.2 What modules should I register for? ........................................................................................... 8

3. Semester 1 Modules .......................................................................................................................... 9

3.1 SP158 Introduction to Politics and Sociology .............................................................................. 9

SP158 Schedule ................................................................................................................................ 10

3.2 SP1118 Practicing Sociology and Politics ................................................................................... 11

3.3 SP160 Problems in Politics and Society ..................................................................................... 13

3.4 CÉIM ........................................................................................................................................... 15

3.5 Estimated Study Time ................................................................................................................ 15

3.6 Instructions for uploading an Assignment ................................................................................. 15

3.7 Course work: deadlines, extensions & deferrals ....................................................................... 16

3.8 Plagiarism .................................................................................................................................. 16

4 Our expectation of you ..................................................................................................................... 18

4.1 Your Responsibility .................................................................................................................... 18

4.2 The importance of participation ................................................................................................ 19

4.3 Individual Learning Requirements ............................................................................................. 19

4.4 Information regarding access to and use of learning materials ................................................ 19

4.5 Discussion forum posting ........................................................................................................... 20

5. What to do if you experience difficulties ......................................................................................... 21

6. Counselling ...................................................................................................................................... 22

7. Contact Details ................................................................................................................................. 22


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1.1 Introduction

A very warm welcome to the Year 1 of the BA in Sociological and Political Studies. I would like

to take this opportunity to wish you well with your academic endeavours in the forthcoming

year. It is my priority to offer academic guidance and support to all participants on the

programme. However, I would advise you to review the content of this course guide and reflect

on the programme expectations and responsibilities before embarking on the year ahead. I

look forward to working with you throughout your studies and assisting you to fulfil your

educational goals.

1.2 Who are we?

Welcome to the School of Political Science &

Sociology. The School is dynamic, innovative and

internationally recognised for its research, teaching

and service to its students and to wider communities.

In particular, the School has a well-established

reputation for research on Children, Youth and

Families; Power, Conflict and Ideologies; Gender,

Empowerment and Globalisation, and Governance

and Sustainable Development. It brings together an

international, cross-disciplinary group of academic

staff members with diverse backgrounds in politics and sociology, as well as anthropology,

business, community and international development, economics, social policy, social work,

and women's and gender studies.

1.3 What is Sociological and Political Studies?

The School of Political Science and Sociology is unique in Ireland for offering the two

academic disciplines of Political Science and Sociology as an integrated combined subject in

the BA Joint Honours programme.


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Political Science is the systematic study of political life, political activity or behaviour, as well

as basic political concepts, such as power, freedom, democracy, human rights and equality.

While focusing on all things political, the subject also draws on elements of economics,

history, philosophy in its own unique approach and style.

Sociology is the study of society, social issues, and social activities or practices. It includes a

factual dimension that seeks to understand our social worlds through the collection of data

that tell us about social facts and trends, together with a critical lens informed by a rich

theoretical literature, which enables us to reflect on the nature of society, social order, the

relationship between individual and society, and social problems.

Both disciplines aim to provide information about the nature of social and political life in our

societies while engaging with deeper arguments and analysis about why our societies are the

way they are, and if they could be improved.

The undergraduate programme introduces basic concepts in political science and sociology,

Irish society and politics, political sociology, political and social theory, social science research

methods and computer skills, European society and politics, public policy, environmental

sociology, development theories and practice and gender studies. The School of Political

Science and Sociology offers a uniquely interdisciplinary social sciences education.


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2. Learning Outcomes

At the end of Year One, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the key concepts and practices of politics and sociology.

2. Apply political and sociological knowledge to the analysis of core debates on contemporary

issues, locally and globally.

3. Appreciate and understand the complementary disciplines of political science and

sociology.

4. Acquire academic skills such as critical reading, using material sources as research tools,

oral presentations, report writing, and competent use of academic language and concepts.

2.1 How will my modules be delivered in Semester 1?

The First Year Programme in Sociological and Political Studies is normally composed of both

large group lecture and tutorial modules.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, in Semester One, all essential lectures and learning

materials will be available in online formats.

Being ‘present’ this semester will have a different meaning. You will enrol in a tutorial group

and will be in regular contact with your lecturer. One hour per week will be scheduled for

regular meetings of your group. Some weeks, this will be online in your Virtual Classroom on

Blackboard, your Virtual Learning Platform. Other weeks, we are planning to meet you safely

on campus. This will be approximately 3 times during the semester and subject to prevailing

Public Health Guidelines.


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On campus sessions will be carefully planned

and although we cannot predict them at this

point, we promise we will provide you with as

much notice as possible. Alternatively, if it is

necessary, we can also facilitate you to study

fully online.

Whether we meet online or on campus this

semester, our team is looking forward to

working with you. We are committed to you

and your education.


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2.2 What modules should I register for? You have to take at least THREE modules each worth 5 or 10 credits (called ECTSs), but it

depends on your exact BA degree type which ones you take.

Ø On your ID card your degree code is printed-i.e. 1BA1, 1BA6, etc. Check this to know

which modules you need to register for

If you are doing 1BA1, 1BYF1, 1BA11, 1UPA1, 1BCG1, 1BSS1, or 1BA7 you take

SEMESTER 1 (Before Christmas)

Ø SP158 Introduction to Politics and Society (5 ECTS)

Ø SP1118 Practicing Sociology and Politics 1 (5 ECTS)

SEMESTER 2 (After Christmas)

Ø SP159 Concepts and Practices of Politics and Sociology (5 ECTS)

Ø SP1119 Practicing Sociology and Politics 2 (5 ECTS)

If you are doing 1BA6, 1BHR1, 1BCN1, 1BCS1, 1BFS1, 1BAJ1, you take

SEMESTER 1 (Before Christmas)

Ø SP158 Introduction to Politics and Society (5 ECTS)

SEMESTER 2 (After Christmas)

Ø SP159 Concepts and Practices of Politics and Sociology (5 ECTS)

SEMESTER 1&2

Ø SP160 Problems in Politics and Society (10 ECTS) This is a yearlong tutorial module.

If you are in doubt whether you need 20 or 15 ECTs credits from us, and you are doing a

denominated degree, then check your handbook for that programme or if it is not clear, ask

the course director.

Please note it is your responsibility to make sure you are properly registered for the modules

you need to do. Make sure to double check, because a mistake in registration can cause

many problems when it comes to exam time.


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3. Semester 1 Modules

3.1 SP158 Introduction to Politics and Sociology (5 ECTS) This module introduces you to

important issues in contemporary Irish Society. The module is comprised of weekly lectures

and activities, which are fully online on Blackboard.

Assessment Due Date Purpose Weighting

Weekly Quizzes

(8 MCQs)

Sunday midnight These quizzes will

help you to stay on

track and monitor

your learning as you

progress through the

module.

20%

Final MCQ Term 1 Exam Sitting The final assessment

will monitor your

knowledge

acquisition for this

module.

80%

How do I study for this module?

Ø Go to the Learning Materials Folder on your SP158 Blackboard Page

Ø Go to the Learning Materials Folder - Go the Week of Study

Learning is Asynchronous, you can learn at a time that is most convenient to you

Start Date September 28th 2020

Learning Cycle Log onto SP158 on Blackboard each week and

engage in the Learning Activities


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SP158 Schedule

Date Week Lecture Topic Lecturer Assessment

28th Sept Week 1 Orientation and

Course Induction

Jacqueline Murphy

Formative: 8

MCQs @ 20%

Summative:

MCQ @ 80%

12th Oct Week 2 Government and

the Taoiseach

Prof Niall Ó

Dochartaigh

MCQ 1

19th Oct Week 3 The Irish

Parliament

Prof Niall Ó

Dochartaigh

MCQ 2

26th Oct Week 4 Conformity and

Socialisation

Dr Cormac Forkan MCQ 3

2nd Nov Week 5 Conformity and

Religion

Dr Vesna

Malesevic

MCQ 4

9th Nov Week 6 Parties and

Movements

Prof Niall Ó

Dochartaigh

MCQ 5

16th Nov Week 7 Irish Politics: State

and Nation

Prof Niall Ó

Dochartaigh

MCQ 6

23rd Nov Week 8 Breaking the Rules Dr Stacey Scriver MCQ 7

30th Nov Week 9 Crime and Irish

Society

Dr Stacey Scriver MCQ 8

7th Dec Week 10 Revision Week Recording on BB

for each topic

(8 in total)

14th Dec Week 11 Exam Preparation Jacqueline Murphy

21st Dec Week 12 Study Week Study Week Study Week


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3.2 SP1118 Practicing Sociology and Politics (5 ECTS)

This is your Tutorial Module. You will be directed to self-enrol into a group on your SP1118

page on Blackboard at a tutorial slot that is convenient for you. This group will be comprised

of 20 students facilitated by a specialist tutorial leader to support your learning. Participation

is compulsory. This group will meet weekly online and where possible, on campus. In

accordance with current Public Health Guidelines, we expect that in Semester 1, students will

have the opportunity to meet on campus once every three weeks at their allotted tutorial

time.


Discussion Board x2

300-500 words

Check

Blackboard

These posts will help you

to engage and apply

learning from SP158

You will collaborate with

tutor and colleagues to

build knowledge

10%

Start Date 12th October 2020

Learning Activities 1. Engage with your tutorial leader and group

each week. This will be in the form of online

classes/online collaboration with group

members and possible on campus class

sessions.

2. Engage with the weekly self-directed

learning activities to build your academic

skills set


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Record a 5-8 minute

presentation

Check

Blackboard

This will help you to

communicate

understanding and

knowledge of a chosen

topic

20%

Essay

1500-2000 WORDS

Check

Blackboard

This task will

demonstrate your

understanding and

ability to apply critical

thought to a topic of

your choice.

70%

Day Time

Monday 10:00

Tuesday 11:00

12:00

18:00

CÉIM 12:00

CÉIM 13:00

Wednesday 13:00

18:00

CÉIM 13:00

Thursday 11:00

Friday 12:00

You will select one tutorial time from this list and one CEIM slot.


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3.3 SP160 Problems in Politics and Society (10 ECTS) This is your Tutorial Module. You will be

directed to self-enrol into a group on your SP160 page on Blackboard at a tutorial slot that is

convenient for you. This group will be comprised of 20 students facilitated by a specialist

tutorial leader to support your learning. Participation is compulsory. This group will meet

weekly online and where possible, on campus. In accordance with current Public Health

Guidelines, we expect that in Semester 1, students will have the opportunity to meet on

campus once every three weeks at their allotted tutorial time.


Discussion Board x2

300-500 words

Check

Blackboard

These posts will help you

to engage and apply

learning from SP158

10%

Start Date 12th October 2020

Learning Activities 1. Engage with your tutorial leader and group

each week. This will be in the form of online

classes/online collaboration with group

members and possible on campus class

sessions.

2. Engage with the weekly self-directed

learning activities to build your academic

skills set


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Record a 5-8 minute

presentation

Check

Blackboard

This will help you to

communicate

understanding and

knowledge of a chosen

topic

20%

Essay

1500-2000 WORDS

Check

Blackboard

This task will

demonstrate your

understanding and

ability to apply critical

thought to a topic of

your choice.

70%

Day Time

Monday 10:00

Tuesday 11:00

12:00

18:00

CÉIM 12:00

CÉIM 13:00

Wednesday 13:00

18:00

CÉIM 13:00

Thursday 11:00

Friday 12:00

You will select one tutorial time from this list and one CEIM slot.


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3.4 CÉIM Weekly CÉIM online peer learning sessions are student led and are about working

collaboratively in small groups to develop independent learning skills, discuss new topics on

the course, prepare for upcoming assignments and exams, and have some fun! The

atmosphere is welcoming and friendly, and students are encouraged to ask any questions

they may have about NUI Galway and their course. Regular CÉIM participants are awarded a

Collaborative Learner digital badge.

3.5 Estimated

Study Time

SP158 Lecture Based Module: 3 hours per week – you can choose when to

study this content to suit your schedule (Asynchronous)

Tutorial : 1 hour per week (Synchronous/Asynchronous/On Campus when

possible)

CÉIM: 1 hour per week (Online)

Independent Study hours: 8 hours per week

Total: 13 hours per week

3.6 Instructions for uploading an Assignment

• To access an assignment, click on the Assessment link in the Course Menu on the left.

• Read any instructions that accompany the assignment. Then click on the

View/Complete Assignment link.

• If the Assignment is downloadable, download the Assignment Files by clicking on the

adjacent link and saving the file to your computer.

• Click on the Cancel button to leave the Assignment page. You will return to this page

when you have completed the assignment and are ready to upload it.

• If the Assignment involves uploading, return to the assignment link and open the

assignment file by clicking on the View/Complete Assignment link.

• On the Upload Assignment page, in the Your Files section, type your comments in the

text box provided.

• To retrieve your completed assignment files, click on the Browse button. In the Choose

file dialog box, select your file and click the Open button and click submit.


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• You will be able to access results for all assignments using Blackboard’s grade book

facility.

3.7 Course work: deadlines, extensions & deferrals

If for good reason you cannot make a deadline for an assignment, you can seek an extension

from your tutorial leader.

Exceptions include valid medical or personal reasons in which case you should contact your

lecturer and notify the First Year Coordinator ([email protected] ). A new deadline

will be arranged. Golden Rule: get your assignments in on time! It is best to deliver an imperfect

essay by the due date as opposed to losing marks for late submission.

If you need to defer a module (in which case you will be examined for that module during the

autumn exam – technically called the ‘2nd sitting’), you should contact the College Office, as

we are not authorised to grant an application for deferrals. For further information please

contact Catherine McCurry in the College Office at [email protected]

3.8 Plagiarism

You are expected to reference correctly throughout your studies at NUIG. Additional writing

and referencing support is available from the Academic Writing Centre:

http://library.nuigalway.ie/awc/ A failure to reference correctly can lead to plagiarism. The

University regards plagiarism as a form of academic misconduct. Plagiarism is the act of

copying, including or directly quoting from the work of another without adequate

acknowledgement, in order to obtain benefit, credit or gain. Plagiarism can apply to many

materials, such as words, ideas, images, information, data, approaches or methods. Sources of

plagiarism can include books, journals, reports, websites, essay mills, another student, or

another person.

Plagiarism is a serious offence and will be penalized if detected. Plagiarism is copying

someone else’s work, whether from a published book, the internet, lecture notes, or another

student, and then presenting it as one’s own. It also includes paraphrasing text very closely

and asking or paying another student or private tutor to write an essay for you.


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We require students to confirm that any written work submitted is their own work: see the

Assignment Cover Sheet on Blackboard. When submitting work via Turnitin on Blackboard,

you can ‘sign’ the Cover Sheet by typing your name in the space provided.

Self-plagiarism or auto-plagiarism is where a student re-uses work previously submitted to

another course within the University or in another Institution. All work submitted by students

for assessment, for publication or for (public) presentation, is accepted on the understanding

that it is their own work and contains their own original contribution, except where explicitly

referenced using the accepted norms and formats of the appropriate academic discipline.

Details of the NUIG Plagiarism Code can be found here: http://www.nuigalway.ie/plagiarism/


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4 Our expectation of you

4.1 Your Responsibility

Be Present

3 hours for SP158

1 hour for your tutorial

1 hour for CÉIM.

Although we may not met

on campus frequently, we

still require you to be

present on your Blackboard

pages each week. Think

about what time you will

need to be present and build

this into your weekly

schedule.

Blackboard will record your

presence automatically.

Be Prepared

Complete the required

learning and reading

activities each week.

You will be expected to

discuss these with your

Lecturers and Classmates.

Participate

Complete all learning

activities and assessments.

At University, you join a

‘community of practice’.

Learning is active and

collaborative.

We want to hear your ideas

and understanding of the

new topics you are engaging

with.

You will participate in

weekly discussions and

activities to demonstrate

this new understanding.


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4.2 The importance of participation

TIMETABLE: in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, all information relating to modules will

be communicated through Blackboard. Your lecturers will be in regular contact with you, and

it is your responsibility to check your NUIG email account and the modules you are registered

for on Blackboard for updates.

4.3 Individual Learning Requirements

To enable us to respond effectively to the requirements of all learners, we request that

individuals, who require particular learning supports or services, notify the Disability Support

Office and the Year Coordinator.

4.4 Information regarding access to and use of learning materials

As a student in the university, you will be provided with a range of materials to help you

succeed in your chosen academic programme. These include materials provided by the

University centrally, support services, the Library, Academic Schools/Colleges, and individual

lecturers, tutors, and others who support teaching and learning.

The tutorials give you an opportunity to meet with course teaching staff and with other course participants to exchange views and discuss problems. You can ask questions and share progress.

The tutorials also include practical exercises to relate the contents of the modules to your own individual experience or work context. They provide a useful opportunity to address any queries relating to the module material. Remember that it is important to have read the module so that you can participate in tutorial discussions and exercises. Inadequate preparation limits your ability to participate and disrupts the learning for other course participants. At your tutorial you will also receive guidance on assignments and projects.

It is the student’s responsibility to inform the tutorial leader of their absence either before or after the scheduled tutorial.


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These materials and resources (which include, for example, lecture notes, slide presentations,

video and audio recordings, official copies of journal papers, e-books, laboratory manuals,

handbooks, assessments, exam papers, etc.) are provided to you for your private, individual

use as a student registered on our programmes. The materials are protected by copyright

legislation and licensing agreements and therefore you cannot copy these (or materials derived

directly from them), or share and redistribute them to others, or via other channels (either

online or physically).

4.5 Discussion forum posting

The contributions made on the discussion fora should be related to the course content and

relevant to class discussion. Please be respectful to each other, as you would in any

professional environment.

When posting to the group forums you should try to keep the threaded discussion organised.

This is easily achieved by REPLYing to the discussion question rather than using the + THREAD

button to start a new thread.

+ THREAD should only be used to introduce new subjects for discussion.

Please read all discussion forum postings. This is very important!


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5. What to do if you experience difficulties

Drop in before you Drop Out

We are committed to your success and we are here to help you. Starting University at the best

of times can be daunting and we have extra challenges this year. We may not meet in person

regularly but we are always here ready to assist you. Now that you are a registered student

there are many options available to you. Please let us be your first port of call.

If you are experiencing difficulties that are having a negative impact on your studies, it is

important that you let us know so that we can help or offer guidance on where you can seek

assistance. Any information relating your circumstances will be held in strictest confidence.

The Golden Rule: deal with these issues as they occur by contacting the First Year Coordinator

and/or the College office.

If you encounter difficulties with any aspect of a module or with the First year programme in

Soc & Pol, we are here to help, but you need to let us know. We welcome feedback from

students and an important part of our job is to support you in your studies. Any issues you may

have that have not been resolved with the lecturer/programme coordinator in the first

instance can also be raised with our Head of School (Professor Niamh Reilly:

[email protected] ).

The School is committed to working with Year Representatives who are affiliated to the Student

Union. If you are interested in being a Year Rep please contact Jacqueline Murphy

([email protected]

As a constituent unit of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, the School is

subject to the oversight by the Dean of Arts and issues relating to School decisions can also be

raised with the Dean’s office (contact details here: http://www.nuigalway.ie/colleges-and-

schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/staff/ ).


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The Examinations Office has a procedure for dealing with queries relating to marks awarded

for modules. For details on ‘rechecks’ and ‘appeals’ please use this link:

https://www.nuigalway.ie/exams/results/ .

6. Counselling You may meet some challenges during university life. Counselling can be an important resource

for you. You can find out more here: https://www.nuigalway.ie/counsellors/

7. Contact Details

Jacqueline Murphy

First Year Coordinator

[email protected]

Ø Please use your NUIG e-mail account when emailing me.

Ø N.B. Include the module code [SP158/SP1118/SP160] in your email subject line, so I can

identify your emails readily.

Ø During semester 1, I will be online for [Tuesday 14:30-16:30]. However, if this changes

I will notify you via an announcement on Blackboard. If you wish to contact me

privately, please send an e-mail. I read my e-mails regularly throughout the day (Mon-

Fri), and you can expect a response within 1-2 working days.

1ba sociology and political studies handbook 2020 · 1ba sociology and political studies year...

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