This course is designed to introduce the student to the study of one of society’s key social institutions, education. The overall context of the module will present students with an understanding of education as it relates to social and community development with an emphasis on the meaning of education, sociological perspectives on education, inequalities and educational disadvantage. The module will also consider alternative perspectives in education seeking to redress inequality as well as future opportunities and future challenges linked to the role of technology in education.
Introduction to Sociology of Education
Defining education; the contested purposes of education; formal and informal education; adult and community education; distinction between learning and education;theoretical perspectives in the sociology of education – Reay, Illich, Baker, Lynch.
Educational Inequality and Educational Disadvantage
Working-class experiences of education; class and education; gender; disability; ethnic groups and education; barriers to education; education as cultural and economic reproduction; ole of the hidden curriculum.
Alternative Perspectives
Educational perspectives of Paulo Freire, Ivan Illich, Diane Reay; Kathleen Lynch, Rachel Brooks, Henry Giroux; community development and community education
Education and Social Policy
Key historical developments; current policy direction; the role of policy in shaping outcomes; educational policy and social reproductionthe knowledge based economy agenda; the life-long learning agenda; EU Policy and the Lisbon Declaration; National Framework of Qualifications; DEIS – Delivering Equality in Schools
Education and Technology
Developments in educational technologies; emergence and application of new technologies to education; on-line and blended learning; benefits and challenges of technology in education.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |
| Formal Examination | 70 |