module
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SPA2006: Understanding Social Inequalities
This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.
Module Aims
This module provides a bridge between quantitative methods techniques, social science theories and applied social research. You will develop your abilities to read, understand and evaluate applied social research in the field of social inequalities. This will reinforce the skills you have learnt as part of your quantitative methods training and develop your critical understanding of published research. Furthermore, you will develop a deeper understanding of the challenges of researching social inequalities and the claims made by politicians, government agencies and third-sector research. You will also develop your skills at synthesizing quantitative research and assessing social science theories using empirical research.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. List, describe and demonstrate a detailed understanding of the key concepts associated with social inequalities 2. Identify appropriate empirical evidence that can be used to test claims about social inequalities made by theorists, politicians and commentators |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Identify and critically discuss the major sociological concepts and deploy them in appropriate circumstances. 4. Use statistical evidence to empirically evaluate the (relative) validity of sociological theories and hypotheses 5. Use logic and reasoning to evaluate arguments |
| Personal and Key Skills | 6. Communicate effectively in speech and writing 7. Appropriately use ICT 8. Research & critically evaluate information and apply techniques and theories in appropriate contexts 9. Design and run group presentations and demonstrate reliability and commitment to the ongoing process of class discussion |