module specification

This module examines the changing pattern of households and family life, work and employment, with a particular emphasis on differences in cultures and identities and how these interlink with social divisions. It addresses causes and patterns of inequality, and the opportunities and challenges of living in a super diverse society.

The module includes significant elements of study skills development, orientation to the university and the expectations of the university and course.  The study skills element is embedded in the provision of the module.

The module is taught over 30 weeks and is assessed by workbooks and an essay.

Aims of the module

This module aims to:

1. Introduce students to university life and to the expectations of the course and academic life.

2. Identify changing patterns of households, family life, work and employment.

3. Explain differing patterns on inequality and the socio-political perspectives to issues of community, culture, multiculturalism, social exclusion and social cohesion.

4. Develop student skills in retrieving information, academic writing and presenting information to a range of audiences

N/A

1. Orientation to the course, the schools and the university
2. Definitions of community; differing communities & community cohesion; (LO1)
3. Sociological approach to culture, difference and social divisions; living in a multi-cultural society. (LO1. LO2)
4. Ideologies and social structures (LO2)
5. Social patterns and social changes – family, education, work; ‘race’ & ethnicity, religion, social class, media & crime and control (LO2)
6. Skills development (reading, essay writing, report writing, presentation skills, IT skills) (LO3, LO4)

Total learning hours are 300 for the module. The module will be taught by a weekly lecture of one hour duration with one hour seminar and one hour workshop sessions. A student-centred approach will be adopted in teaching and learning on the module, relying on class discussions / activities, reflections and expert inputs from external practitioners wherever possible as well as visits, if possible, to places, institutions and centres within public and Third Sector.

A lecture introducing the topic will be followed by a seminar where the emphasis will be on student empowerment through active participation and group work.  

Weekly reading is expected in order to get the most out of the module.

Most sessions will be a combination of:

• lectures or direct teaching
• group work
• visits
• study skills such as paragraph writing, guided reading or referencing tips
• online activity / Interactive learning experiences
• preparation for assignments

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Evaluate differing viewpoints on concepts of community, culture and change. (LO1)

2. Identify the key causes of inequality and evaluate policies and debates on social cohesion, inequality and ‘problem’ communities. (LO2)

3. Write academically and present information in academic conventions. (LO3)

4. Use IT skills to research, study, communicate and work (LO4)

The assessment for Cultures, Identity and Difference is varied, reflecting the range of subject areas covered. Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of the subject area, and skills in information technology and reflective learning.

The students are required to complete a workbook (2000 words) reflecting on their experiences of living in a multicultural society, their observations and research.

In addition, students will be required to submit an essay of 2000 words. The essay will test student understanding of social change and social inequality covered during the semester.

This module has opportunities for formative assessment, and draft work is considered and commented on. Comments on draft work are provided a week before the final hand in date, so that students have opportunities to amend their work

The reading list for this module can be found here:

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/F93EE433-DDEB-CDB1-93CD-F241247E877D.html?lang=en-US