Semester 1 

This module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the sociological context of tourism studies.  It explores how the study of tourism fits into contemporary leisure studies and vice versa. 

·               To introduce students to sociological and cultural ideas relating to leisure and consumer society 
·               To enable students to consider tourism in relation to leisure 
·               To enable students to contextualise tourism within broader issues of social change 

On successful completion of this module students will be able to: 
·               Describe how tourism is driven by a consumer society (K) 
·               Apply sociological theory to tourism and leisure (C) 
·               Search for relevant learning resources and use them critically (T)
·               Demonstrate written communication skills (T) 
Learning Outcomes should be categorised as:
Subject Knowledge and understanding (K) 
Cognitive skills ( C ) 
Practical/professional skills (P) 
Transferable skills (T) 
Other 
Assessment Strategy In order to achieve the threshold standard for the award of credits for this module, the student must meet the following criteria related to the learning outcomes described above: 
1) Be able to discuss how leisure and tourism are driven by a consumer society 
2) Be able to describe sociological concepts and apply sociological theory to  the analysis of tourism and leisure 
3) Be able to use different learning resources critically
4) Be able to summarise complex ideas succinctly 
To pass this module the student will demonstrate a familiarity with Tourism, Leisure and Society, but whose attempts to organise, present and examine the material in a critical and constructive manner are only partial successful. The student displays some understanding of the relevant issues and some familiarity with the relevant literature and techniques. 

The module explores leisure activities and tourism experiences thematically in weekly lectures which introduce relevant sociological theories.
·      Leisure and tourism in a consumer society 
·      The life course, gender, family and leisure 
·      Leisure and identity 
·      Authenticity and tourism 
·      Dark tourism 
·      Serious leisure and hedonism 
·      Access to leisure and tourism 

Methods of teaching/learning; 
The teaching and learning strategy is designed to offer students stimulating material through lectures, seminars and reading which encourage them to reflect on the way postmodern society is organised with particular reference to leisure activities and tourism experiences. 
The teaching and learning methods include; 
Lectures to provide a framework of knowledge 
Personal studying guided by recommended reading 
Preparation of individual essay assignment 

Essential Reading : 
·        Sharpley, R. (2003) Tourism, Tourists and Society. Huntingdon: Elm Publications.
   Recommended reading: 
·        Roberts, K. (2006). Leisure in Contemporary Society, 2^nd edition. Wallingford : CAB International. 
·        Bull, C., Hoose, J. & Weed, M. (2003). An Introduction of Leisure Studies. Harlow : FT Prentice Hall/Pearson Education. 
·        Mannell, R.C. & Kleiber, D.A. (1997). A Social Psychology or Leisure. State College, PA : Venture Publishing. 
·        Rojek, C., Shaw, S.M. & Veal, A.J. (2006). A Handbook of Leisure Studies. Wiltshire: Palgrave 
·        Ryan, C. ed. (2002) The Tourist Experience. 2^nd edition, London : Cassell. 
Background Reading : 
Journals: Annals of Tourism Research, Tourism Management, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Leisure Studies.