The future, crime and men’s magazines – students present study options to next generation Sociologists

Sociology students gained valuable skills to help with their future careers after giving presentations at a conference for ‘A’ level pupils.

University of Northampton first and second year undergraduates presented their own research to students at Queen Katherine Academy in Peterborough on Tuesday as part of their courses, also developing their public speaking skills in the process.

Their lecturers were also on hand to speak about the modules on offer at the University, promoting the benefits of extending their ‘A’ level studies at Northampton.

The conference programme covered topics ranging from the media, death and men’s magazines, including:

• Media Crime and Deviancy – student Seth Galia talked about how the media presents criminals and crimes to the public
• A sociological perspective of Playboy magazine – student Meg Nixon presented a historical and feminist look at the magazine
• The Sociology of Death – University of Northampton Lecturer Jo Downton introduced this module that examines what we do as a society about death and dying
• Giddens and the reflexive project of the self – student Eleanor Smith looked at the meaning of Sociologist Anthony Giddens’ theory and how it affects modern day relationships
• The Rise of the 1% – student Trista Redding in her presentation focused on the economic inequalities that exist in contemporary society with particular reference to the wealthiest 1%
• The Sociology of the Future – James White, Senior Lecturer at the University of Northampton looks at how we would like society to be in the future and how we would organise it. This module is only offered at University of Northampton.

Students Seth Galia and Meg Nixon give their presentations to students at Queen Katherine Academy.

Meg Nixon said: “This was a wonderful opportunity that we all thoroughly enjoyed! The opportunity to present and deliver your work is such a crucial skill in many careers so this opportunity was priceless. The students attending were amazing, engaged and ready to listen with questions and thoughts ready.

“Equally, the team from Northampton put in so much effort and it really transpired. Over all, a great day and a fantastic experience for students.”

Trista Redding added to Meg’s view: “A fantastic opportunity which enabled us to develop and present our own work, it helped us to understand a lot about ourselves and realise just how much we are capable of.”

Paul Taylor, Subject Leader Social Sciences at Queen Katherine Academy, said: “My students and I really appreciated the students visit to us this week. The undergraduates were wonderfully confident and well informed and illuminated some new areas relating to the a level Sociology course.

“The presentations demonstrated how students can study some totally new and unexpected aspects of Sociology at University. Our students were all interested and engaged. Thanks to University of Northampton’s Sociology team for a great morning.”

Jo Downton summed the day up saying: “The conference was a great success and our students were so professional and certainly demonstrated their ability to communicate effectively with others.”

Please see our website for more information about the Sociology (BA Hons) course at University of Northampton.

You can also find out more about the Sociology course by talking to the lecturers at one of our regular open days. To book for the next on 13 January, see our website.