This module complies with the requirements of QAA Quality Framework Statement 4.17.

It is informed by the following Subject Benchmarks: Social Policy 5.8; 5.9; Sociology 6.5; 6.6; and Politics and International Relations 4.3; 4.5



This module will consider core theories, concepts and perspectives in poverty, depravation, inequality, and hardship through the lens of equality and human rights. Students will develop critical reflection and evaluation in consideration on how these rights might assist in the mitigation and/or eradication of poverty, and in addressing the myriad diversity of human needs within the social welfare field.

Students will undertake independent research to analyse and evaluate alternative solutions to social problems within the prism of the maintenance and development of equality, diversity, and human rights and the social, economic, historical, and cultural contexts of political behaviour. They will examine and evaluate the contested nature of knowledge and understanding related to elements of power, inequality, and social stratification on a global scale and within a national perspective. Students will be able to discuss sociological topics with appreciation of theory, evidence and relevance to current debates and present the conclusions in a variety of appropriate sociological formats suitable for different audiences.



The module will examine the following elements:

The Protected characteristics within the Equality Act 2010

Human Rights issues within the UK

Tackling discrimination by policy and legislation

Encouraging diversity

Human Rights abuses in a Global perspective

Historical context of discrimination, equality, and liberty



In exploring these themes, the module will consider a range of civil and political rights including the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression; freedom of association; and socio-economic rights including the right to food, housing, work, and education to enable standards of living adequate for the health and well-being of individuals and families.

The module will also explore the responsibilities that arise in relation to human rights, including those at a national and international level. The content will be changeable in order to remain relevant so for example, in the current circumstances, the module might consider the responsibility the UK has as a nation to offer refuge to those fleeing persecution and our obligations (both moral and legal) in relation to environmental protection, global poverty and community responsibilities and personal autonomy arising in relation to health care. It might also consider the relationship between social action and social structure, such as legislative policies and laws that impinge on the rights of assembly in order to protest on social issues, and freedom of speech online.

The poster presentation will assess all 3 learning outcomes. Students will choose a topic of interest and examine what action could be taken to address the identified issue and how this relates to human rights. The topic that students choose can be in relation to a range of rights and the key will be to explain how these rights can be met in the current context.

The VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) Blackboard will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module. There is a mix of directed and independent study, and a blended learning approach is adopted.


Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (40 hours)

Typically, these sessions will include the following:

Seminars introducing ideas and delivering facts to a group of students

Pre-session activity and preparation

In-session interactive exercises and activities, including simulation-based activity

Tutorials - virtual and face-to-face formative discussions in a one-to-one tutor /student contact session

Module and assessment support



Guided Independent Study: (160 hours)
This will consist of a combination of reading material, preparation, and completion of tasks, [including self-assessment tasks], and contributions to discussion forums by means of the VLE. Reading key texts and researching via the appropriate databases and academic journals. Assessment preparation and completion

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of key human rights and how principles of equality and human rights can be used to secure and advance individual rights at a national or international level

Knowledge and Understanding


2. Apply the methods and techniques learned to consolidate, extend, and apply your knowledge and understanding of equality and human rights

Application


3. Critically evaluate current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship to identify a contemporary topic relevant to the field of study

Analysis

Access to PC

Access to Internet

Baylis and Smith (2022) The Globalization of World Politics (9th Edition) Oxford University Press

Boschel and Daly (2014) Social Policy Routledge

Edmiston, D. (2018) Welfare, Inequality and Social Citizenship: Deprivation and Affluence in Austerity Britain, (1st Ed), Bristol: Policy Press

Fredman S (2019) Comparative Human Rights Law Oxford University Press

Goodhart M (2022) Human Rights Theory and Practise (4th edition) OUP USA

Heywood, A. 2014, Global politics, (2nd ed), Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.

Mapp SC (2020) Human Rights and Social Justice in a Global Perspective Oxford University Press

Moeckli et al (2018) International Human Rights Law (3rd Edition) Oxford University Press

In this module, you will consider poverty, depravation, inequality, and hardship through the lens of human rights and consider how these rights might assist in the mitigation and/or eradication of poverty.

The module will examine the following elements:

The Protected characteristics within the Equality Act 2010

Human Rights issues within the UK

Tackling discrimination by policy and legislation

Encouraging diversity

Human Rights abuses in a Global perspective

Historical context of discrimination, equality, and liberty



In exploring these themes, you will consider a range of civil and political rights including the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression; freedom of association; and socio-economic rights including the right to food, housing, work, and education to enable standards of living adequate for the health and well-being of individuals and families.

You will also explore the responsibilities that arise in relation to human rights, including those at a national and international level. The module content will be changeable in order to remain relevant to the current environment.