SOCI2017 Class Structure and Social Inequality

Module Overview

This module looks at the changing nature of material, social and cultural inequality in British society, and how it affects our everyday lives.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Identify and compare different theoretical models of the way in which inequality is maintained and reproduced.
Critically assess theoretical accounts of inequality with reference to appropriate empirical evidence.
Assess the ways in which material, social and cultural inequality in contemporary Britain affects selected aspects of social life.
Evaluate current debates over the relative significance of class in relation to other forms of social division.
Identify and summarise key information on selected topics.
Assess empirical evidence supporting/questioning certain theoretical positions.
Contribute to group discussions.
Reflect on your own social background and ‘life chances’ in a theoretically informed manner.
Critically discuss current affairs by relating the theories and empirical evidence covered in the module to contemporary events.

Syllabus

The module considers such questions as: how does inequality affect our prospects for success and advancement, how does it affect our health and lifestyle, and how far do we to pass on advantage (or disadvantage) to our children? The module explores various theoretical models of how inequality is maintained and reproduced, comparing classical theories which see inequality as the result of class conflict or group struggles with current arguments that class is of declining significance in the light of other social divisions along lines of gender, ethnicity, lifestyle and so on.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Two lectures per week, five seminars

Type	Hours
Independent Study	125
Teaching	25
Total study time	150

Assessment

Assessment Strategy

Seminar attendance is encouraged by awarding 1% per seminar attended. Seminars are designed to contribute to all of the learning outcomes, but place an emphasis on discussion skills (LO7) and self reflection (LO8). The essay plan and essay both contribute to the assessment of learning outcomes 1-6. The current affairs commentary assesses learning outcome 9, critically reflecting on news media items by relating them to theories and empirical data about class inequality. This will also test learning outcomes 1-6.

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Attendance	5%
Commentary	20%
Essay (2500 words)	65%
Plan	10%

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Exam	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External