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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Schooling & Society
Module Code EDS1061 (ITS: ES544)
Faculty Human Development School DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Description

In this module students will engage with major sociological paradigms in order to understand their role as educators within schools and society. Issues associated with (in)equality of educational opportunity will be explored through the lens of relevant theory, research and experience. Students will be supported in examining how inclusive, equitable and responsive practices and content positively impact pupil wellbeing, gender parity, social justice and sustainable development. In this module students will approach Intercultural Education, Human Rights Education and Education for Sustainable Development with a solution focused mindset, using critically reflective skills to nurture their own capacity to be socially conscious, future oriented individuals and to value and scaffold this capacity in their pupils also.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically reflect on different sociological theories and research and appraise their impact on teaching, learning and assessment in post primary education
2. Synthesise major sociological concepts and curricular frameworks and interpret their significance for understanding teachers as change agents in schools and society
3. Use a critically informed human rights framework to examine key concerns within the Irish Education System and wider society
4. Develop a solution focused mindset to analyse and problem-solve responses to complex issues such as diversity, equality and sustainability
5. Appreciate how inclusive, equitable and responsive practices and content positively impact student wellbeing, social justice and sustainable development


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Social Contexts & Diversity
Group work24Reflective Group work
Independent Study77Related Research, Reading and Presentation of Work
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20336Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorMajella McsharryModule TeacherIrene White
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentReflective professional application of theoretical and experiential learning100%Sem 2 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Social Class, Social (Im)mobility and Individual Opportunities

Language of Education; Perceptions of Ability and the Potential for Transformability

Gender as Identity and Social Construct and the Role of Gender Flexible Pedagogy

Global Gender (In)equalities in Education and the Labour Market

Power Structures in Schools and Student Voice

Race as Identity and Social Construct and the Role of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy

The Social Construction of (Dis)ability

Co-Curricular Activities and the Role of Sport in Schools

Deschooling, Reschooling and Homeschooling

Maximising Educational Opportunities: Sustainable Human Flourishing and Development

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Alan R. Sadovnik: 2015, Sociology of Education, Routledge, 560, 9781138843004
  • Stephen J. Ball: 2004, The RoutledgeFalmer Reader in Sociology of Education, Routledge, 299, 9780415327756
  • Michael W. Apple,Stephen J. Ball,Luis Armando Gandin: 2011, The Routledge International Handbook of the Sociology of Education, 9780415619967
  • Abdeljalil Akkari,Myriam Radhouane: 2021, Intercultural Approaches to Education, Springer, 213, 9783030708245
  • Rob Moore: 2004, Education and Society, Polity, 224, 9780745617084
  • Juliet Williams: 2016, The Separation Solution?, Univ of California Press, 256, 9780520288966


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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