Module Details

Module Code: SOCL H1472
Module Title: Introduction to Sociology
Title: Introduction to Sociology
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Janette Davies
Module Author:: Teresa Mulhern
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to introduce the discipline of Sociology to learners and its application to early Childhood. The module aims to develop the learners understanding of key factors which impact on the life of Children, their Families, and communities. The module will encourage the learner to examine and reflect on the social world in which we live and to explore the different ways in which human beings have organised their lives together. Sociological frameworks and theory will be examined, and aspects of Irish Society will be explored from a sociological perspective.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the development and role of Sociology as a discipline which observes social life and offer social commentary which is relevant to Early Childhood.
LO2 Understand the social construction of young children’s identities within a range of social categories, culture, race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, religion, and disability.
LO3 Examine the evolution, function and the diversity of families and communities within an Irish context.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Introducing Sociology
What is Sociology Key introductory ideas. Sociological perspectives. Macro and micro approaches – Roles, Groups and Social Networks Classical Sociological Theorists
Culture, Identity and Inclusion
The social construction and components of culture. Socialisation Process. Social identities. Intersectionality. Race, ethnicity, diversity, equality and inclusion in Early Childhood Practice.
Social stratification
Systems of stratification. Class structure. Social inequality, poverty and social exclusion. Equality of educational opportunity.
Sociology of the Family
Changing family structures and patterns. Sociological perspectives of the family. Relating an understanding of the Sociology of the Family to Irish ECEC policies e.g., Siolta (2006), Aistear (2009).
Sociology of Heath, Wellness and disability
The social construction of health, wellness and disability. Heath inequalities and life outcomes.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Portfolio % of Total Mark 100
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will be required to keep a learning portfolio and provide a weekly reflection or summary on classroom and independent learning activities
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 2.00 24
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 6.73 101
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description 12 Weeks per Stage 1.50 18
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description 15 Weeks per Stage 7.13 107
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.50
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Clarke R.. (2020), Childhood in Society for the Early Years, 4th. Sage, London.
  • Brown K.. (2019), Sociology, 5th. Polity, UK.
  • McDonald B.. (2014), An Introduction to Sociology in Ireland, 3rd Ed.,, 3rd. Gill & Macmillan, Dublin.
  • Giddens A. & Sutton P.. (2021), Sociology,, 9th. Polity, UK.
  • Norman G.. (2017), The Sociology of Childhood. A Critical Perspective, 3rd. Sage, UK.
  • Yarrow A. & Fane J.. (2015), The Sociology of Early Childhood: Young Children's Lives and Worlds, Routledge, UK.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Journal of Early Childhood Research. Journal.
  • Journal of European Early Childhood. Journal.
  • Journal of Childhood. Journal.
  • Journal of Childhood and Society. Journal.
  • Irish Journal of Sociology. Journal.
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: