ED1BSE-Sociology, Education and Social Justice

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Miss Cecilia Muldoon
Email: c.muldoon@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to explore the sociological, cultural, and economic issues that shape an individual’s educational opportunities and pathways. We consider the ways that social organisations and social structures can promote and reinforce social inequalities amongst different groups of people, especially by socio-economic status (class), gender and ethnicity. Each session presents a different theme relevant to educators concerned about social justice. Students are introduced to key concepts and issues in the sociology of education. Our primary aim is to question the notion of meritocracy and you are encouraged to draw upon your own experiences in exploring how social justice issues are constituted and contested.

Aims:

• To offer an introduction to the ways that socio-economic status (class), gender and ethnicityÌýimpact on differentÌýeducationalÌýoutcomes;


• To consider the role and value of social theory in making sense of how social inequalities can be reproduced

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Identify some of the common barriers to social equality


• Identify the impact of social inequality on quality of life and life course outcomes


• Evaluate the value of theory in making sense of social inequality

Additional outcomes:

• Students will have developed an understanding of a substantial body of knowledge in relation to sociology and education

• Students will have increased their ability to communicate information in both oral and written communication

Outline content:

The focus of this module is upon social organisation and structures which impact on individual opportunities and outcomes. The module will cover topics which include social class and reproduction, gender, ethnicity and will explore contemporary issues of social injustice in education.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lecture, discussion and group work