For the first, second and fourth years, the degree involves studying courses to the value of 12 units half of which will be in the Department of Sociology, and half in the Language Centre.
You will spend the third year of your degree studying abroad at a partner university (see the study abroad section).
First year
(* denotes a half unit course)
Key Concepts: Introduction to Social Theory
Introduces students to sociological theory by examining the work and ideas of normally eight key thinkers in social thought.
Power Inequality and Difference: Contemporary Themes in Sociology
Provides an introduction to critical areas of theory and analysis in contemporary sociology.
Language and Society 1-3 (choosing between French, German, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish)
Beginners to advanced study of the specific language within the framework of social sciences and culture.
One from:
English Literature and Society
Study of 20th Century British literature in its socio-political context; Study of individual authors, and study of major cultural themes running through the century.
Intercultural Communication and Management
Looks at the main theories and concepts involved in inter-cultural communication to explain and analyse how they apply in real life, in business and in political communications.
LSE100
Beginning in the Lent term of the first year and running through the Michaelmas term of the second year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and introduces you to the fundamental elements of thinking like a social scientist. Please note that the LSE100 course is under review.
Second year
Key Concepts: Advanced Social Theory
Engages key sociological issues through the critical reading of theoretically informed empirical research studies.
Language and Society 2-4 (choosing between French, German, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish)
Intermediate to proficiency level study of the specific language through themes related to societies speaking the language within the framework of social sciences and culture.
Courses to the value of one unit from a range of Sociology options
LSE100
Beginning in the Lent term of the first year and running through the Michaelmas term of the second year, LSE100 is compulsory for all LSE undergraduate students, and introduces you to the fundamental elements of thinking like a social scientist. Please note that the LSE100 course is under review.
One from:
Comparative Literature and 20th Century Political History
Comparative literature of the twentieth century leading up to and including the Cold War.
Literature and Aspects of Ethics
Literary treatment/projection of the aspects of ethics, focusing on the classical ideas of Aristotle and Kant, Schopenhauer, and Nietzsche, developed in modern times by Sartre, Lacan, Bernard Williams and Michel Foucault.
Society and Language: Linguistics for Social Scientists
Introduces students to key (socio)linguistic concepts (semantic and pragmatic meaning, discourse, register, genre, dialect, idiolect, sociolect) employed in the analysis of language use as a social process.
Third year
Study abroad year at one of five partner universities (see the study abroad section).
Fourth year
Language and Society 4-5 (choosing between French, German, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish)
Further advanced (up to mastery) study of the chosen language within the framework of social sciences and culture.
Courses to the value of two units from a range of sociology options
One from:Contemporary Literature and Global Society
Studies contemporary (chiefly post 1990) world literature in the context of modern globalised society, covering prose, poetry and drama.
European Literature and Philosophy
Literary treatment of the major philosophical trends of the twentieth century, including the aesthetics of Bergson and Nietzsche, the analytical school of Russell; political philosophy of Isaiah Berlin, the existentialism of Heidegger and Sartre, the paradox of the absurd of Camus, French and East European Phenomenology; Wittgenstein and philosophy of language.
Society and Language: Linguistics for Social Scientists
Introduces students to key (socio)linguistic concepts (semantic and pragmatic meaning, discourse, register, genre, dialect, idiolect, sociolect) employed in the analysis of language use as a social process.
For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.
You must note however that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up-to-date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises.
You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated undergraduate course and programme information page.