SO5012 - Growing Up: Youth and Education

What will I learn on this module?

You will be introduced to key issues and debates in the sociology of education such as the emergence of education systems and how recent reforms have impacted on patterns of attainment. We examine explore some traditional questions such as the role of class, race and gender in schools as well as taking a biographical approach to the analysis of learning across the life course. We investigate the way that education can shape identities and how learning is implicated in wider patterns of social injustice.

How will I learn on this module?

You will be taught through a weekly 1 hour lecture and 2 hour workshop/seminar discussion. The latter includes a variety of activities such as posters, debates and short presentations.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Assessment support will be offered in seminars, this might include dedicated planning and writing sessions, draft feedback and other activities to support the assignment completion. You are also able to meet with tutors for individual tutorials to help with assessment planning throughout the module. The weekly seminar activities are designed to support learning and assessment and so will enable the student to build their final assessment during the seminars.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding
1. Understand the different paradigms in the sociology of education and how these can be used to examine the functions of education systems.

2. Demonstrate how a historical and comparative approach is essential for the sociological analysis of education systems.

3. To critically assess the theoretical traditions in the sociology of education and how these can aid an understanding of how education systems influence the structuring of social identities and social divisions.

Intellectual / Professional skills and abilities
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the ways in which sociological theory can be be used to explore educational systems and the role of learning in social identities.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)

5. To recognise how education and learning are contested features of societies and be sensitive to the different ways these processes are constructed and riven by political and ideological disputes.

How will I be assessed?

Critical biographical essay (2500 words)
MLO – 1, 4, 5,
Feedback will be provided on drafts in seminars and final feedback via turnitin

Education portfolio, including – 1. description of identified issue (1000) 2. intervention plan/plan for change (might include a module description, reading lists, changes to a classroom space etc.) (word count variable) and 3. theoretical/pedagogical rational/justification (1500)

MLO – 2, 3, 5
Feedback will be provided on drafts in seminars and final feedback via turnitin

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

You will be introduced to key issues and debates in the sociology of education such as the emergence of education systems and how recent reforms have impacted on patterns of attainment. We examine explore some traditional questions such as the role of class, race and gender in schools as well as taking a biographical approach to the analysis of learning across the life course. We investigate the way that education can shape identities and how learning is implicated in wider patterns of social injustice.

Course info

UCAS Code Z006

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Humanities and Social Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Any Questions?

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

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