This course addresses the paradox that, although we are shaped by powerful social forces, we have a sense of ourselves as autonomous individuals. It shows how this sense of individual selfhood is of recent origin, associated with the development of modern society. It also explores how individuals confront unfamiliar institutional environments to show that the 'sociological imagination' can help us come to terms with every day experiences. Throughout the unit, we will use historical and comparative research in order to question the taken-for-granted assumption that the way we organise our lives is the 'natural' way human beings shape their interactions.

  There are several aims of the course;

• To introduce you to the 'sociological imagination' through helping you reflect on the way your everyday life is organised (ranging from your work experience and possible futures, your leisure life and your home life);
• To use sociological concepts in order to interpret the experience of the transition to university;
• To question our 'taken-for-granted' assumptions of how the world around us functions;
• To raise awareness of a wide range of perspectives and theories that can be used to explain modern social change;
• To introduce you to different fields of sociology that you will encounter in later years at university;
• To enhance the study skills that will serve you as a foundation for a successful and rewarding life as a Social Science student, including reading skills, information literacy skills, research skills, and writing skills;
• To use small-group tutorial discussion in order to ensure that you understand the key issues raised in the lectures and in the course readings.
• To use the assessment scheme to provide you with an opportunity to a) demonstrate your ability to think and read critically; b) be familiar with course themes; and c) present a persuasive argument backed up with examples.

500 word exercise (10%), essay plan (10%), tutorial participation (10%), research essay 2000 words(40%) and synoptic essay 1500 words (30%).

Two one-hour lectures and one one-hour tutorial.

Offered every year.

Lectures will be taped and will be available on WebCT