Introduction to Social Sciences - International Foundation

Module description

The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to a range of concepts and debates within the social sciences. The module will include a broad overview of economic thought, a brief introduction to key elements of social psychology and a grounding in many of the essential concerns of sociology of particular relevance to a global perspective on societies in the modern world. Areas covered will include: Keynes and Neoliberalism; behavioural economics; the legacy of colonialism; industrial psychology; demographics in the social sciences; nationalism; urbanism; poverty and development; emerging economies.

Educational aims & objectives

• to provide you with an understanding of the main approaches within the social sciences
• to develop a familiarity with key social sciences and essential concepts within them
• to ensure familiarity with some of the main sources of information for the study of social sciences
• to enable students to understand how debates within the social sciences can inform policy

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, you will be able to demonstrate the intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to this level of module and in particular will be able to:

• understand key terms, ideas and concepts within the social sciences
• engage with thought within a number of disciplines within the social sciences
• distinguish between fact and opinion, between what is relevant and what is not and between opposing views based upon conflicting evidence
• research a topic, extract and synthesise information from a range of written and spoken sources, and formulate a response
• analyse and critically assess information from a variety of texts and come to an informed conclusion with limited guidance
• understand lectures in English and actively participate in seminars
• master the skills of independent learning and time management
• demonstrate increased experience of working creatively and flexibly as part of an academic group
• demonstrate appropriate linguistic skills in defined and predictable contexts.

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.