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About Politics and Sociology, BA - at University of Warwick

What will I learn?

Our Politics and Sociology degree explores theoretical and empirical approaches to political and social ideas and issues, and the impact of these on our everyday lives.

The multidisciplinary approach of the course encourages you to consider the world from different political and sociological perspectives.

The programme enables you to think critically about contemporary society in the UK and beyond, and enables you to explore sub-fields such as gender and sexuality, race and difference, international relations, international political economy, sociology of media and culture, and international development. It also offers an important empirical dimension, linking ethical questions around the provision of public goods like welfare or security to the demands of existing social movements and policy elites. Independent and collaborative study and research will develop your transferable investigative, analytical, organisational and presentational skills.

The core programme of study emphasises political and sociological theory. You can also select from optional modules offered by the Politics and Sociology Departments, including Culture and Popular Media, Politics of the USA, States and Markets, and Vigilant State – The Politics of Intelligence. There is increasing opportunity to specialise as the years progress, with many of the themes addressed in first-year modules further developed in second- and third-year options.

How will I learn?

The Department of Politics and International Studies (PAIS) has more than 50 academic staff, almost all of whom teach at undergraduate level or supervise final-year dissertations. You normally take four modules in each year and have 12-15 hours of classroom contact per week. Teaching follows a pattern of weekly lectures and seminars, supplemented by group work and the use of web-based materials.

In preparation for seminars, you are expected to read widely from recommended texts and conduct extensive independent research. You usually have the opportunity to deliver at least one seminar presentation per module. You can also attend the Departmental research seminar series that features guest speakers from other universities as well as from our own faculty, independent researchers, and politics practitioners presenting their own research or speaking on relevant topics.

We also have a Departmental film club, which regularly screens documentaries and films with political themes tied to our degree pathways. Films range from Hollywood blockbusters such as Argo and Zero Dark Thirty to independent foreign-language films such as The Lives of Others and La Haine. Screenings are open to all PAIS students and staff. Each one is introduced by a member of academic staff and is followed by an informal discussion, enabling you to share your opinions.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is via a combination of essays and examinations at the end of each year. You will be given extensive feedback on formative essays, assessed essays and examinations. Most modules enable you to choose between examinations or assessed essays.

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Warwick to find course entry requirements.

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