Module Details

Module Code: LEGS8003
Title: Equality Studies
Long Title: Equality Studies
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3800 - Law
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: Equality studies are concerned with the analyses of significant equalities and inequalities in human society. This module seeks to enable participants to synthesise data on the complex subject of equality. Using an interdisciplinary approach, this module critically explores the historical emergence of the idea of equality and the expansion of the liberal egalitarian democratic project. The contribution that liberal oriented equality legislation has made to fostering social change is also critically assessed. In addition, the module critically explores some alternative approaches to the dominant liberal model (particularly in the Irish and EU context).
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Critique the core terminology/concepts and theoretical frameworks regarding equality
LO2 Analyse some of the main strengths and weaknesses of the liberal conceptualisation of equality, particularly regarding 'marginalised' groups
LO3 Evaluate radical approaches to equality in both the local and global context
LO4 Debate in a comparative context key Irish and UK equality legislation and its effectiveness for marginalised groups
LO5 Critique the relevance of equality studies for the learner’s community and/or work setting
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).
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.
No incompatible modules listed
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.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Enlightenment and Liberal Democracy
The Enlightenment and the liberal democratic project – historical overview. Key Enlightenment thinkers; the absolutist state/ancien regime; constitutional democracy.
Liberal Theory
What is Liberal Theory: Definitions, key contributors; meritocracy/selective mobility, strengths and limitations of liberal egalitarian theory.
Social Equality
Radical Egalitarianism: Strengths and limitations; equality frameworks; The role of the professional in promoting social equality at community level.
Legislation
Equality legislative framework and platform (Irish and EU context): the Equal Status Acts; the Equality Authority; EU equality directives.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Open-book Examination % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
In-Class Test (e.g. on 'marginalised' groups and equality)
Assessment Type Essay % of Total Mark 65
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Assessment Description
Essay/Assignment (e.g. on social equality)
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 15
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,3,5
Assessment Description
Journal of Learning
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 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study and reading Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture/Workshop Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study and reading Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Armstrong, C.. (2006), Rethinking Equality: The Challenge of Equal Citizenship, Manchester University Press, Manchester & New York, [ISBN: 0719069254].
  • Baker, J., Lynch, K., Cantillon, S., Connelly, A., and Walsh, J.. (2004), Equality: From Theory to Action, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke, [ISBN: 9780230508088].
  • Flavio, C. & M.C. Nussbaum. (2014), Capabilities, Gender, Equality Towards Fundamental Entitlements, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 9781107015692].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Clancy, E., Finn C., & M. O'Keeffe (Eds.). (2012), The Road to 50-50 – Gender Quotas for Ireland, The 5050 Group, Cork, [ISBN: 9781907694318].
  • Fraser. N.. (1997), From Redistribution to Recognition? Dilemmas of Justice in a ‘Post-Socialist Age’, in: N. Fraser, Justice Interruptus, Routledge, London, [ISBN: 0415917948].
  • Gray, J.. (2000), The Two Faces of Liberalism, Polity Press, Cambridge, [ISBN: 9780745622590].
  • Healy, G., Sheehan, B. and N. Whelan with a foreword by Mary McAleese. (2015), Ireland Says Yes: The Inside Story of How the Vote for Marriage Equality Was Won, Irish Academic Press, Dublin, [ISBN: 9781785370373].
  • Huges, I., Clancy, P., Harris, C., & D. Beetham. (2007), Power to the People? Assessing Democracy in Ireland, New Island Books, Dublin, [ISBN: 9781905494378].
  • Phillips, A.. (1998), Engendering Democracy, University Park, Pennsylvania State University Press, [ISBN: 00271007842].
  • Rawls, J.A. and Kelly, E.. (2001), Justice as Fairness: A Restatement, 2nd. Harvard University Press, Harvard, p.214, [ISBN: 9780674005112].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Wolfenden Report. (1957), Report of the Committee on Homosexual Offences and Prostitution.
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HCOED_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Community Development 7 Mandatory