| Unit name | Contemporary Identities and Inequalities |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCIM0015 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Yamashita |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None` |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit will introduce students to general sociological frameworks for thinking about the nature of social identity and inequalities, in both a UK and international context. It will cover central theoretical approaches for conceptualising social identities and inequalities (such as class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age and disability), and the relationships between them, as well as considering how social stratification contributes to the formation of recognisable social identities. In order to explore how various inequalities manifest themselves, change and interrelate in different societal contexts, specific empirical topics will be addressed (for example: employment, social exclusion, health, education).
Unit aims
1.To introduce students to key theoretical frameworks for understanding social inequalities and identities
2.To demonstrate the significance of social inequalities and identities as central features of contemporary society
3.To examine contemporary sociological research on inequality and social identity
4.To introduce students to a range of social contexts in which inequalities manifest themselves
On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate understanding of key concepts for understanding social identities and inequalities
2. Critically examine contemporary sociological research on contemporary social identities and inequalities
3. Critically compare a range of social contexts in which inequalities and identities manifest themselves
4. Present a coherent written argument that evaluates the significance of social identities and inequalities for sociological analysis
The unit will be taught through blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities
Formative: 1500 word essay (0%)
Summative: 4000 word essay (100%)
The summative essay will allow for assessment of students' ability to meet the Intended Learning Outcomes 1-4, detailed below, by requiring them to develop an in-depth essay argument (4) that draws upon relevant readings, materials and debates covered in the unit (1,2). The essay questions will be designed so as to require students to critically examine contemporary sociological research on contemporary social identities and inequalities (1,2) and apply central theoretical concepts to a range of empirical examples (3).
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. SOCIM0015).
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.
