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SSC-30001 - Module Specification
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

SSC-30001 - Beyond Human
Coordinator:
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26


Aims
To explore social dynamics among non-human entities and their interactions with human societies.
To critically analyse interdisciplinary perspectives on non-human agency, ethics, and social impacts.
To examine the implications of non-human interactions in sociological and criminological contexts, including technology, animals, and environmental challenges.
To equip students with the ability to apply theoretical concepts to case studies of human and non-human interconnectedness.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Analyse key sociological and criminological theories related to non-human entities and their societal roles.: 1
Identify and evaluate the ethical and practical implications of interactions between human and non-human societies.: 1
Critically assess the role of non-human actors, such as technology, animals, and environmental systems, in shaping crime patterns or social practices.: 1
Synthesise interdisciplinary theoretical knowledge to produce evidence-based insights on human and non-human interconnectedness.: 1

Study hours

Active learning hours:
10 x 2-hour workshops
4 hours assessment consultation
10 hours - synchronous guided activities, e.g. engagement with online resources
Independent study hours:
30 hours - workshop preparation, e.g. reading, note-taking
86 hours - individual assessment preparation and completion

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Project weighted 100%
3000 word project relating to student’s subject area
The project requires you to develop a case study focusing on a specific example of non-human social behaviour, interaction, or interconnectedness related to the module content. You may choose a topic such as the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence, the impact of climate change on crime, or the role of animals in shaping human environments. Your case study should critically analyse the social, ethical, and structural dimensions of your chosen topic, drawing on relevant theories and interdisciplinary research.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025