Module manager: Catherine Bates
Email: C.V.Bates@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as a discovery module
On this module we will consider together what identity is: who are we, what makes us who we are and how does that influence how we treat each other? This will enable us to then think about key issues to do with equality and diversity, which are key to any all-professional contexts which involve working with people – including, for example, education, social work, business, support work, and working in the charity sector. To do this we will consider theories around identity, prejudice and discrimination, and equality and diversity through analysing a series of case studies (such as newspaper articles, films, documentaries, government policies). We will consider these in the context of each other’s experience – through discussion – and through consulting interdisciplinary academic research.
This is an introductory module that will introduce theories of identity, oppression and diversity, using an interdisciplinary approach.
The module will enable students to understand a variety of cultural, critical and sociological theoretical approaches through an application to a variety of different contemporary case studies in order to build analytic and critical skills in the consideration of issues of identity, oppression and diversity from a wide range of perspectives.
The interactive teaching approach will enable students to reflect upon their own experience of the issues and then put this within a broader context through discussion with others, learning about other’s experience and through the stimulation of a variety of different case studies made accessible through different cultural and social texts such as film, memoir, documentary, government policy documents and industry lectures.
1. explain and discuss theories related to identity, discrimination, equality and diversity
2. apply theoretical insights in relation to identity, discrimination, equality and diversity to the analysis of a case study – involving a cultural text - which addresses a contemporary issue
3. use academic research to build up an evaluative argument
4. show an understanding of the connection between representation, language use and forms of oppression related to the Equality Act 2010’s protected characteristics
Students will learn to reflect on their own identity and life experience through an analysis of different contemporary issues and cultural texts – this will involve making connections between different experiences and representations and recognising the way language, narrative and story can impact on how we see ourselves and each other. They will learn to develop their own critical position through workshop and seminar discussion, and then through 2 written assignments. These written assignments will help students develop the ability to understand and explain key concepts through an engagement with core reading, to start using academic theory to analyse case studies, and to start understanding and critiquing government policy.
The module will cover areas such as:
- Identity theory
- Theories of prejudice, discrimination and oppression
- Contemporary examples of identity exploration, oppression and institutional oppression
- Diversity in the workplace
- The Equality Act 2010, reasonable adjustments and protected characteristics
- Inequalities and ways to work towards equality
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workshop | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Independent online learning hours | 30 | ||
| Private study hours | 140 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The interactive teaching in workshops and seminars will allow students to test out and get feedback on their understanding throughout the module. In addition, the online discussion board will be used for student to share their analysis of case studies, growing understanding of key concepts, and to ask questions – this will be a way for them to benefit from peer and tutor feedback. Finally, students will have the opportunity to submit and get feedback on drafts for both assignments. The first assignment will involve specific deadlines to submit sections of the work so students can build up the work, incrementally, and benefit from feedback to do this.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2000 words | 65 |
| Assignment | Written work of 1500 words, involving 2-3 shorter pieces | 35 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 4/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team