BA in Social Studies
What is Social Studies? The Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies provides the academic basis for work in the broad spectrum of areas known as ‘social care’. Social care involves working with vulnerable populations who experience disadvantage or who are marginalised. The BA in Social Studies equips lecturers with a broad social science education, while also providing a specific focus on the area of social care, thus enabling them to investigate, interpret and understand societal changes and forces often felt at the level of the community or the individual. This degree programme is aimed at those interested in the social sciences and at those interested in working in social care, particularly in the non-profit making and private sectors.
Aims and Objectives Learners will be introduced to social science research methods and theories, to the role of social care in Ireland – in terms of trends, the regulatory and legislative framework, and the different models of social care. Other issues addressed from a social science perspective are social policy, political and economic issues in a societal context, human sexuality, and the psychology of the individual in a social and developmental context. Through the research methods modules in the course learners are equipped with the skills to carry out their own research while developing their understanding of the ways in which data gathering and analysis informs social thought. The BA in Social Studies prepares students for work, alone or in teams, in contexts ranging from day care to community work or research management. Programme Structure This is a 3 year programme. The programme is divided into three levels and students take the programme in its entirety. In Level 1, students undertake introductory subjects that are designed to develop knowledge and understanding of core disciplines to provide a platform for more advanced study. In Level 2, students take subjects that build on the level 1 foundation and further develop student knowledge and understanding. In Level 3, students take subjects intended to develop understanding of applied areas and key subjects.
Transfer Learners Learners holding relevant qualifications at Levels 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications may qualify for entry to the second or third year of this programme.
Teaching and Assessment
The BA Social Studies is taught mainly through lectures and tutorials, with learners taking responsibility for a significant amount of study outside scheduled class contact times. Assessment takes a variety of forms, including essays, reports learning journals and presentations, individual and group assignments and formal examinations. The majority of subjects are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination.
Further Career and Study Options Social care involves working with vulnerable populations who experience disadvantage or who are marginalised - for example, people with disabilities, people who are homeless or have dependencies, families in the community, older people and recent immigrants. Often, today, social studies graduates work for non-profit organisations and in community organisations. The social science research methods components of this programme will also equip learners with the skills for work in a variety of research contexts, for example on funded research projects. Non-governmental organisations, the communications industry and the emerging information sector have also shown high levels of demand for graduates trained in social scientific research methods. Graduates of this programme may progress to the final year of the BA (Hons) Social Science Level 8 programme at DBS. Programme Content
Year 1
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- Introduction to Social Studies
- Social Policy - Cultural Ideology
- Psychology for Social Studies
- Skills for Social Studies I
- Introduction to Social Care
- IT & Social Studies Project
| Year 2
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- Youth & Children Studies
- Health Studies
- Social Thought
- Skills for Social Studies II
- Contemporary Social Policy
- Research Methods I
| Year 3
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- Political and Economic Issues for Social Studies
- Applied Social Studies: Working with Individuals and Groups
- Sexuality & Interpersonal Relations
- Social Care and Irish Law
- Research Methods II
- Applied Social Policy
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Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training ) Act 1999.  | Check out www.dbscreativeartsandmedia.ie This is a dedicated website designed to showcase the work of the DBS School of Creative Arts & Media students and academic staff. This is world where experience, knowledge and innovation merge.This is a world where your learning and creativity know no limits! |
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