Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide an advanced introduction to key theoretical and empirical resources for understanding social inequalities.

Specifically, the module has three objectives:

(1) To analyse different forms of social inequality and how these intersect in both local and global contexts.
(2) To explore a range of issues through which social inequalities are made manifest, conceptualised and challenged in sociological research.
(3) To evaluate the extent to which contemporary crises reproduce and/or resist unequal arrangements of power and privilege.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module is arranged into blocks (2-3 weeks each). The first block provides an introduction to key epistemological and methodological frameworks in sociology before moving on to two thematic blocks, which will introduce students to key theoretical and empirical studies in social inequalities. A final block will consolidate the module topics and provide guidance in preparing assessments.

Block 1: Ways of Knowing
Block 2: Power and Privilege
Block 3: Crisis: Continuity or Revolution?
Block 4: Bringing Things Together

The module is also supported by workshops that support the consolidation of learning and the development of enhanced writing and research skills relevant to the subject area.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

(1) Explain a range of key theoretical and empirical approaches to conceptualizing social inequalities.
(2) Demonstrate how social inequalities are produced through specific arrangements of power and privilege.
(3) Analyse the relevance of social inequalities to key debates and crises in the contemporary world.
(4) Evaluate the degree to which inequalities are reproduced and/or reconfigured in moments of social change.
(5) Imagine alternatives to hegemonic social inequalities in theory and praxis.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

(1) Undertake critical reading of scholarly texts.
(2) Identify relevant objects of sociological analysis, select appropriate critical frameworks, and apply them.
(3) Express complex ideas clearly and accurately, in both written and oral communication.
(4) Carry out topic-oriented and evidence-based research using both library and IT resources.
(5) Demonstrate independence in research and learning.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module will comprise:

Block one:
A lecture of one hour to introduce students to the module and ways of knowing and understanding inequalities
This will be followed by two x 2 hour lectures to introduce students to key theoretical interventions and epistemologies vital for researching inequalities
One x 2 hour workshop to foster cohort identity through practical activities related to the concepts explored on the module.

Blocks two and three:
Comprises of 4 x 2 hour lectures which offer students advanced understanding of conceptual issues via key theoretical and empirical approaches

The module will be supported by 1 x 3 hour workshop delivered by the Library skills team. This will be specifically tailored for PGT students in the Social Sciences and support enhancement of writing and research skills.

The combination of learning styles and content will provide students with a rich understanding of social inequalities and how they are reproduced and reconfigured. It will also equip students with advanced level training in critical writing and research skills and support the development of a cohort identity and community through group practical workshops.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

1. Students will first write a 1500 word critical reflection of 2-3 texts from the reading list. This will give them the grounding in some of the theoretical and conceptual issues that run through the module.

2. At the end of the module students will write a 2500 word critical commentary on a topic of their choosing. This exercise will allow students to develop their written and analytic skills alongside their empirical and theoretical knowledge of the subject. They will select their own individual topics (reflecting their own specific interests and those covered in the module) and be able to demonstrate detailed critical knowledge about the specific topic to include a review of relevant theoretical and empirical texts. There is an expectation that students reflect on contemporary issues of inequality, and how these intersect.

General Notes

N/A