| Unit name | Societal Change and the Transformation of Work |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOL32025 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Doogan |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit explores the interaction between the transformation of work and the key drivers of societal development such as globalisation, technological change & institutional restructuring. It is said that traditional stable forms of employment have been replaced by insecure jobs and uncertain futures. The pace of change is said to engender a precariousness and a greater sense of individualisation. This unit will look critically at these claims and seek to explain the gap between public perception and statistical evidence of social change.
The unit aims to expose students to the key debates about societal transformation as they relate to the transformation of work. The impact of globalisation and the spread of neoliberalism will be explored in relation to the restructuring of the state and the delivery of welfare services. The emergence of new patterns of employment, occupational and industrial change will be critically examined, and the role and pace of technological change will be reviewed in relation to the recomposition of the workforce. The unit aims to achieve a balanced assessment of the major factors which both express and suppress the change dynamic. It will also explore the gap between the material and discursive realities in the representation of societal transformation. The labour market impacts of the ‘Great Recession’ will also provide a focus for discussion and debate.
Upon successful completion of this unit students will have acquired:
Teaching will be delivered through blended learning involving a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions involving a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including weekly lectures provided via narrated power point presentations, practical activities supported by one hour study-group sessions and self-directed exercises. Feedback will be provided for formal assessments, preparation for which will be supported through online activities and in study group sessions with the tutor.
Policy review (1000 words) (25%)
Essay (2000 words) (75%)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOL32025).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
