Pre-university: Social Sciences (Online)

The course introduces pre-university students to the social sciences, focusing on individual disciplines as well as common theoretical premises.

The course will explore the relationship between the individual and society. This relationship will be used as overarching theme to link separate disciplines and topics to facilitate interdisciplinary and inter-textual thinking. Topics to be covered include the role of the government and the state, social conventions and norms, economic and political structures and the place and importance of the individual.

Students will study a range of different subjects such as Politics, Economics and Sociology and develop skills in inter-disciplinary reading and thinking. 

Politics: How do individuals take decisions which affect the entire society? What is the role of the government, the parliament, international organisations? Students will focus on the practices of the British political system and the European Union as well as the relationship between the UK and the EU.

Economics: How do individuals and societies produce the goods and services that satisfy their needs and sustain their livelihoods? This will include the study of rationality and economic interactions and it will look at practical subjects including international markets and trade.

Sociology: A study of human relations and social organisations. This will include the study of group behaviour and social norms while focusing on the history and evolution of work and the fourth Industrial Revolution.

• 20 x 1.5-hour sessions, two each day

Live sessions will run from 17.00-18.30 and 19.30-21.00 (BST) each day

•  Introduction to the Course
•  Politics 1: The British Political System
•  Politics 2: The European Union
•  Politics 3: The UK-EU Relationship after Brexit
•  Economics 1: The Global Financial System
•  Economics 2: Global Financial Crises
•  Economics 3: The Eurozone Crisis
•  Sociology 1: Work in History
•  Sociology 2: The Future of Work
•  Social Sciences in the Contemporary World

The structure of this course is designed to provide students with a similar experience to that which they might encounter during undergraduate study, as well as providing a unique online learning opportunity.

Using a blend of text, audio, video and other material, the course is designed to equip students with a range of skills to enhance independent study for their route into the social sciences. Classes will combine mini-lectures, debates, group work, and academic skills sessions. Recommended readings will be set in advance of each class and a full course syllabus and student handbook will be provided to each student.

The course will also include guest lectures on different aspects of Scottish politics and society, enhancing the materials covered.

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

• display a keen interest in the social sciences;
• display an ability to think in an interdisciplinary way using a common theme;
• demonstrate skills that are integral to studying the social sciences, including research skills and critical analysis;
• demonstrate an awareness of the role and importance of social sciences in contemporary societies;
• show an awareness of the social values and institutions that shape our world.