Module Handbook
Access to appropriate texts
Computing facilities will be needed to access material on the web and specialist on-line data bases
Access to Blackboard supporting module

You will need access to one of the following texts:

Thompson N (2006) Anti-discriminatory Practice 4th ed, Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan 1-4039-2160-1
Thompson N (2003) Promoting Equality 2nd ed, Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan 0-333-99353-5
Dalrymple J & Burke B (1995) Anti-oppressive Practice, Buckingham, Open University 0335191932

This module will explore the relationship between personal values and the wider political, ideological and social value bases of contemporary Britain which form the context in which advice work takes place. It will focus on the social and organisational context of advice agencies, and consider how they carry out their functions. Particular themes to be explored will include:

Equality of opportunity
Anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and emancipatory practice
The value base of advice work
Issues around race; class; gender; disability; sexual orientation
Issues around partnership; empowerment; confidentiality; self-determination

A presentation which will demonstrate the student's learning and their understanding of how the key issues covered by the module relate to advice work and the function of advice agencies (learning outcomes 1-3) 50%

A written essay of 1000 words, which will form the basis of the presentation (learning outcomes 1-3) 50%

Both elements of assessment must be passed.

Group sessions 15%

Whole group sessions
These will focus on the key themes of the module. Students will be encouraged to participate actively in the sessions by joining in discussions and exercises. Video presentation may also form part of the learning strategies.

Small group sessions
Students will meet for seminar discussions based on the theme of the whole group session. The discussion will encourage students to explore and discuss their understanding of and attitudes towards each of the main themes of the module.

Independent learning 85%
Students will be expected to prepare for the whole group session and the seminars by undertaking guided reading and completing allotted tasks. Students will also be expected to research their chosen assignment topic by using recommended texts and other relevant materials. Supporting material will be available on Blackboard.

Intellectual skills will be encouraged by interactive whole group and small group sessions where key issues will be explored and debated, to ensure students have a firm grasp of the main themes of the module. Guided reading will help to consolidate students' learning and understanding. These skills will be formally assessed in the assignment.

Communication skills will be developed orally by the expectation that students will participate in whole group and small group discussions and exercises, and also in written form by the assessment assignment where students will be expected to be able to communicate ideas and arguments effectively in writing using appropriate conventions. Oral communication skills will be developed by participation in group discussion, and will feature in both formative and summative assessment.