Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
GS24220
Module Title
Understanding (in)equality and (in)justice
Academic Year
2020/2021
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Due to Covid-19 students should refer to the module Blackboard pages for assessment details

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   (Written seen exam)  50%
Semester Assessment Policy Report  (1500 words)  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   (Written seen exam)  50%
Supplementary Assessment Policy Report  (1500 words)  50%

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Describe the key ways in which social differences can lead to social inequalities.

2. Explain the various attempts made by institutions and other stakeholders to reduce inequalities through the promotion of social justice.

3. Evaluate the attempts made within public policy to reduce social inequalities.

Brief description

‘Understanding (in)equality and (in)justice’ introduces students to some of the fundamental issues studied within Sociology; namely the way in which social differences of different kinds lead to inequalities and injustices. Students are also introduced to the efforts made by institutions of different kinds, such as the state and non-governmental organizations, to address and reduce these inequalities and injustices.

Content

The module is divided into two parts. In the first half, students will explore a key concern of Sociology – inequality - to explain how and why material and symbolic rewards are distributed unequally. They will consider the unequal distribution of wealth, privilege and power and will be encouraged to question understandings of various inequalities in society. Discussion will focus on inequalities deriving from various social divisions including those relating to social class, gender and race, as well as sexuality, age, religion and disability. Following this, attention will turn to the efforts that have been made by institutions and various other stakeholders to address and reduce these inequalities. The idea of social justice will be introduced to students as an overarching concept that can help to explain these various efforts to reduce inequalities. The second half of the module will also highlight the way in which understandings of social justice underpin attempts to address social inequalities within public policy.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Not explicitly developed in this module, though students may use these skills for their policy report.
Communication The module will develop students’ written communication skills through the requirement to complete written assessments. In addition, students will develop their oral communication skills through team-working and involvement in class exercises.
Improving own Learning and Performance Student attendance and participation in the lectures will help them to enhance a range of learning skills. The module also requires students to participate in group discussions and extensive self-directed study.
Information Technology Students will be required to undertake research for the module using bibliographic search engines and library catalogues, as well as on-line sources of policy-related information. They will also utilize standard word-processing packages in the completion of the coursework.
Personal Development and Career planning ​The module will help students to develop a range of transferable skills including policy analysis, time management, self-discipline, research planning and team-working in class exercises.​
Problem solving The module will develop students’ problem-solving skills in a number of ways. Students will be required to analyse a range of sources and texts, including policy reports, in class exercises and as part of their independent research and coursework assessment.
Research skills Students are expected to research and synthesize a range of academic source material in preparing for classes and for their assessments.
Subject Specific Skills The module will enable students to develop and practice subject-specific skills in Sociology.
Team work The classes will include problem-solving exercises and group discussions which will provide opportunities for students to develop team-working skills and discuss their thoughts with the class.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5