Module Details

Module Code: SOCI6007
Title: Class, Race & Ethnicity
Long Title: Class, Race & Ethnicity
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3120 - Sociology
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module focuses on class, 'race' and ethnicity and explores to what extent they structure the experience of individuals and groups in society and influence their life chances. The module intends to develop in the community practitioner an awareness of, and ability to engage in analysis of the structural and cultural factors at work in the production and maintenance of social inequality and difference in their communities. The core conceptual frameworks of class, ‘race’, and ethnicity are briefly explored. The substantial focus, however, is on the key social and political factors informing the formation of class, race and ethnic identity as collective formations in society, with specific focus on Irish society, both North and South, from the period of nation-building onwards and the examination of past and contemporary challenges facing minority groups.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Identify different conceptual models of social class and discuss the significance of conceptual models for the objective identification of class.
LO2 Chart and discuss the history and development of class structure in Ireland and identify significant periods of change.
LO3 Describe the relationship between class, 'race' and ethnicity and the operation of power in society and in their local community.
LO4 Discuss the issues faced by minority groups in society, and identify myths and stereotypes.
LO5 Critically reflect on and explore the complexities of their own identity, and identify the factors that contribute to identity formation in local communities.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

None
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
None
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

None
 
Indicative Content
Social Class
What do we mean by social class? Marx versus Weber on social class. Social relations of production or occupational categories. Measurement of social class. Social Class in Irish Society. The role of the State in occupational change. Land versus credentialism. Social class as an aspect of collective identity formation.
'Race' and Ethnicity
Conceptualising 'Race' and Ethnicity. The concept of social closure. Ethnic boundaries. 'Race' and Ethnicity in Irish society. Nation and Nationalism. The relationship between Class, 'Race' and Ethnicity.
Legal and Policy Frameworks
Minority Status. Integration, assimilation, pluralism, multiculturalism, genocide Identifying racism, institutional racism, prejudice and The race ‘problematic’. Generating 'parity of esteem', Equality legislation. Establishing a bill of rights. Defining citizenship.
Collective Identities
Understanding social division. Identifying aspects of identity formation and solidarity in local communities. Identifying sources of collective mobilization and the dynamics of mobilisation.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,4
Assessment Description
In-class test (core concepts)
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 60
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Essay on selected topic
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Journal of Reflection linking theory to practice
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 4.00 4
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Critical engagement with course material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 4.00 4
Directed Learning Non Contact Independent critical engagement with the course material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Perry Share, Mary P. Corcoran and Brian Conway. (2012), Sociology of Ireland, 4th revised. Gill and Macmillan, Dublin, [ISBN: 9780717149841].
  • Healy, J. and O'Brien, E.. (2014), Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Class: The Sociology of Group Conflict and Change, 2nd. Sage Pub., [ISBN: 10:1452275734].
  • Giddens, A. and Sutton, Ph.. (2017), Sociology, 8th. Wiley Academic, Cambridge, [ISBN: 0745696686].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Banton, Michael. (1983), Racial and Ethnic Competition (Comparative Ethnic and Race Relations Series), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 0521274753].
  • Breen, R., Hannan, D., Rottman, D. and Whelan, C.. (1990), Understanding Contemporary Ireland: State, Class and Development in the Republic of Ireland, Palgrave Macmillan, [ISBN: 0717117413].
  • Gilroy, P.. (2002), There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack: The Cultural Politics of Race and Nation, 2nd. Routledge, [ISBN: 9780415289818].
  • Hainsworth, Paul (ed). (1998), Divided Society: Ethnic Minorities and Racism in Northern Ireland, Pluto Press, [ISBN: 0745311954].
  • Mac Laughlin, J. & and Crowley E.. (1997), "Being Black in Ireland", by E. Aniaglon, in: Under the Belly of the Tiger: Class, Race, Identity and Culture in the Global Ireland, Irish Reporter Publications, [ISBN: 9781900900027].
  • May McCann, Séamas Ó Síocháin, Joseph Ruane (eds). (1994), Irish Travellers: Culture and Ethnicity, Institute of Irish Studies, Belfast, [ISBN: 0853894930].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • The Immigrant Council of Ireland. (2014), ICI Submission: Immigration, Residence and Citizenship – an Area for Law Reform.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Brynne, Sean. (2000), Conflict and Group Identity: Lessons from Northern Ireland, MCS: Conciliation Quarterly, Winter 6-8.
  • Mutwarasibos, Fidele. (2013), Apathetic on Racism: Challenging stereotypes seems to turn the public off, Immigrant Council of Ireland.
  • Houses of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality April 2014. Traveller Ethnicity, Report on the Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity.
  • Department of Justice. Task Force, 2000 Task Force on the Travelling Community.
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOED_7 Bachelor of Arts in Community Development 3 Mandatory
CR_HCOED_6 Higher Certificate in Arts in Community Development 3 Mandatory