S/S/185. Has modern Western society become less bloodthirsty? Answer in relation to the use of animals for human leisure

The paper looks at the relationship between humans and animals examining the change of attitudes towards animals in the historical context and discussing the ethical aspects of modern use of animals, that is, as livestock, for leisure pursuits (hunting, pet keeping, zoos) and for scientific purposes.

S/P/351. What do you understand by 'relativism'? To what extent, if at all, is the social scientist obliged to be a relativist?

The paper examines the methodology of relativism used in social science. Epistemological and ontological forms of relativism are described reviewing criticism of the relativist thesis. The implications of cultural relativism as a scientific approach are considered.

C/S/80. What were your initial thoughts about your social class? In what ways, if any, has Lawler's article on class and the workshop discussion shifted your thoughts?

The paper presents the author's reflection on class provoked by an article on the origins of class identification and its reinforcement by popular media. The contradictions in the media's coding of people's appearances are outlined; contemporary approaches to 'types' of people are considered.

C/S/81. How can you use developing insights to understand Sayer's idea that students claiming they don't believe in social class (or that it doesn't matter) are making a point that needs to be addressed critically?

The paper presents critique of an article claiming to explain why class is difficult to talk about. It is argued that class distinctions are reinforced by economic factors and that moral sentiments are not given enough justification. References are made to the work of Bourdieu and Diane Coole.

S/H/109. How have historians sought to understand and explain the causes of Protestant-Catholic conflict since the Reformation?

The paper examines the origins of the conflict between Catholics and Protestants reviewing historians' approaches to these theological doctrines, highlighting the role of the Reformation and arguing whether the research into Catholic-Protestant conflict is the domain of social historians or church historians.

C/PS/49. Difficulties of retirement for professional footballers

The paper examines the difficulties of retirement for professional footballers including psychological problems, financial problems, etc. Literature is reviewed on the uniqueness of a professional footballer identity, challenges of the transition to retirement, loss of control, etc. Approaches to retirement are suggested to overcome the identified difficulties.

S/P/245. Critically evaluate the thesis that nationalism is the best expression of modernity

The paper examines the concept of nationalism in the context of traditional social theories contemplating on the ideological changes accompanying the modernisation of society. Nationalism is defined from the historical perspective claiming that it is becoming a key element of modern society.

S/S/137. Does the research method of participant observation reveal more about the society observed or about the cultural preoccupations of the observer?

The paper examines the method of participant observation (PO) and its application in ethnographical research describing the challenges of the "outsider" anthropologist in studying the culture of a foreign society. The advantages and disadvantages of PO are outlined; the author's experience visiting a mosque is analysed.

S/S/138. Analyse some of the social class and cultural consequences of social class upon the everyday experiences of people

The paper examines the concept of social class reviewing its definitions, discussing class-identification criteria, the role of education for a person's status and class position in society, the changes in the UK class system, etc. Academic literature on the theory of social class is reviewed.

C/MD/42. Role of Gossip in Social Communication

The paper examines the functions of gossip as a means of social interaction reviewing academic studies on gossip and discussing various forms of gossip, i.e. gossip at workplace, gossip in males and females, urban and rural gossip, etc. The role of gossip in information dissemination is evaluated comparing it to broadcasting; the attractiveness of gossip is argued highlighting its positive and negative effects.

S/S/135. According to Weber, what is the role of the Predestination doctrine in the development of early capitalism? Do you agree?

The paper critically reviews the studies of Max Weber in social sciences looking at the Protestant ethos in relation to certain capitalist ideals. The features of the Protestant psyche and philosophy are outlined; the role of religion in society is discussed.

C/S/65. Leisure in Britain: social and gender aspects

The paper examines the social and gender aspects of leisure in contemporary UK society discussing computer based leisure and comparing it to other forms of leisure, such as sports and television.

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