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 ethnicity impact on different educational outcomes;


• 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

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Seminars	2.5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	107.5
Wider reading (directed)	16
Advance preparation for classes	16
Preparation for presentations	12
Preparation for seminars	2
Completion of formative assessment tasks	4
Group study tasks	12
Reflection	8
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Oral assessment and presentation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

An individual 10-minute presentation with visual aid (e.g. PowerPoint)

Formative assessment methods:

• Peer support in assignment workshop for presentation


• Formative feedback from tutor on presentation plan

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission during the summer resit period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 24 May 2023