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2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP3160 Education, Culture and Society

20 creditsClass Size: 105

Module manager: Dr Sarah Irwin
Email: S.Irwin@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

At least 20 credits at Level 1and 2 (40 in total) from a social science related discipline or the appropriate discovery theme.

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

What is the place of education in society? How does it relate to social inequality? Do education systems provide opportunities for all, or do they reflect, or even reinforce, wider inequalities? In this module we will examine key debates, and examine theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence and different areas of practical intervention, including sex and relationship education and widening participation in higher education. A particular focus throughout the module will be on class related inequalities and how these are reproduced, or altered, over time. We will consider links between theory and evidence, and help you develop a critical appreciation of research in the sociology of education, with reference to a range of areas including recent research by the module convenor into family, parenting and social inequalities and young people’s trajectoreis to higher education. Through the module we focus on education - society links. We do so with reference to school and university but crucially also to the experience and perspectives of children, young people, families and adult learners as they engage with formal education.

Objectives

On completion of the module students should have:

- a sound understanding of contemporary key debates within the sociology of education, and an in-depth knowledge of debates and research relating to education and social inequalities;
- developed an analytic understanding of different research methods and strategies of enquiry used within the sociology of education;
- developed a critical understanding of recent policy developments in a range of areas, and a sound grasp of their practical and theoretical implications;
- developed a critical understanding of issues relating to citizenship, diversity, equality, identity, power, the state and human welfare in the field of education;
- enhanced their sociological imagination and understanding, and their analytic competencies.

Learning outcomes
Students should have:
- attained a sound knowledge of different perspectives within key debates in the sociology of education;
- attained an understanding of the practical strategies and methods typically used within sociology of education research;
- developed knowledge of some key policy interventions within education, and their contexts and outcomes;

Students will be prepared for dissertation study and further scholarly research in the sociology of education.


Syllabus

1. Introduction
Contexts: theory and research
2. A brief history of education
3. Schooling and inequality: theoretical approaches
4. Researching education, schooling and student experiences
Current debates in education and inequality
5. Family practices: how background shapes outcomes
6. The gender gap in education
7. Accessing higher education
Policy interventions and social practices
8. Youth and sex and relationship education
9. Widening Participation and diversity in higher education
10. Education as empowerment or control
11. Review

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Seminar101.0010.00
Private study hours179.00
Total Contact hours21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

- Preparation reading for sessions 11x10 hours = 110 hours
- Preparation for essay + 69 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Attendance at seminars
- Participation and engagement during seminars

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay5,000 words100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 27/04/2016

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