Module SXP-2050:
Issues in Equality

Module Facts

Run by School of History, Philosophy and Social Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Teresa Crew

Overall aims and purpose

Social policy is everywhere - from TV's love affair with 'benefits cheats', to when you see someone selling the Big Issue or the latest gaffe by an MP. In its broadest sense, social policy aims to improve the well-being of society. The module focuses on a wide range of employment, health and education issues and well as various 'social problems'. This is an interactive module that is enhanced with student participation.

Students will have a chance to earn weekly XP points for completing employability tasks.

Students will develop three key employability skills:

  • Problem solving - The ability to understand a problem by identifying the key issues, implications and identifying solutions.
  • Communication - explain your point of view in a clear and concise way and to listen and relate to other people's opinions
  • Valuing diversity - understanding and being considerate of the experiences of different individuals.

There will be weekly case studies in relation to Social Class, Gender, Disability, Ethnicity, Transgender, Age and Sexual orientation. The overall aim of the module is that students will be able to critically outline some of the barriers people with these characteristics have historically, and in many cases, continue to face.

Course content

The workshop format will use local and contemporary examples relating to the overarching themes of equality, diversity and discrimination. Subjects may include, but are not limited to:

  • Does ones social class influence one’s educational and employment trajectory?
  • Should there be quotas to encourage people into specific careers or positions of power?
  • Should ‘Rhodes Fall’?
  • Gypsy Travellers: the last ‘acceptable’ form of Racism?
  • How can we help young people who are not in education, employment or training?
  • Can we create inclusive work places for Transgender employees;
  • How can we tackle hate crimes?

Assessment Criteria

excellent

Has a critical understanding of how concepts such as equality, diversity, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination relate to social policy. Also displays detailed knowledge of the protected groups and research relating to their experiences . Can communicate this effectively and able to propose suggestions for how some 'social problems' can be tackled.

threshold

Shows a basic awareness of definitions of concepts such as equality, diversity in relation to social policy. Able to provide a description of the literature in this field. Meets set tasks and obligations.

good

Understand concepts such as equality, diversity, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination in relation to social policy. Has knowledge of the protected groups and research relating to their experiences . Can communicate effectively about relevant research.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand concepts such as equality, diversity, stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination in relation to social policy

  2. Become familiar with social inequalities relating to education, health, housing, employment, education policy as well as crime and criminal justice.

  3. Be able to discuss a variety of 'social problems' either through group or individual work - whether it be written or oral communication.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
ESSAY 2,500 word essay 60
CASE STUDY 800 word Opinion piece 40

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Workshop

Two hour workshops x 12

 24
Private study

Students will be expected to read up before or after each workshop so that they can contribute in discussion.

 164
 

One hour drop in session x 12

 12

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: