EQUL40020 Egalitarian Theory and Practice

Academic Year 2018/2019

One of the unique features of the Equality Studies programme is that it affords students an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the concept of equality, and to clarify their own and others’ egalitarian perspectives. This seminar-based module provides students with an opportunity to directly discuss some key ideas in egalitarian theory and practice, thereby supplementing the critique, analysis and explanation of inequality and conceptualisation of egalitarian alternatives offered by the programme as a whole. How should we conceptualise the ideal of equality? What are the best frameworks for making sense of the different inequalities that structure our world and our lives? What are the key arguments for, against and within egalitarianism? What is the relationship between normative egalitarian theory and the empirical analysis of actually existing inequalities, and how can each endeavour strengthen the other?

In this module, students will learn how to theorize basic and complex inequalities, in particular through the application of appropriate conceptual and normative frameworks for their analysis. In addition, students will learn how to articulate arguments for equality, in traditional academic fora, as well as in the field of public scholarship.


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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:1. Demonstrate specialized, detailed and advanced theoretical and conceptual knowledge and understanding of some of the key debates in egalitarian theory and practice. 2. Explain current debates in egalitarian theory and practice at the forefront of the field.3. Apply their knowledge and understanding of egalitarian theory and practice to the broader, interdisciplinary context of equality studies.4. Make informed judgements about egalitarian theory and practice based on complex and (necessarily) incomplete information.5. Reflect on wider social issues involved in applying egalitarian theory to contemporary societies.6. Communicate their work in equality studies more effectively, both orally and in written format, as a result of participating in seminar discussions.7. Demonstrate advanced research and writing skills, include the ability to synopsise text, review literature and produce clear and structured arguments in their own work.8. Have the learning skills to be able to continue their studies in equality studies in a largely self-directed or autonomous manner.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

24
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

52
Total

100
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

This core module is restricted to students who are taking Equality Studies postgraduate programmes



 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Assignment: Application of theory

85

 Unspecified
Continuous Assessment: Seminar participation

15

 Throughout the Trimester

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

In-semester assessment

Remediation

If you fail this module, you may avail of a resit opportunity. This will be offered during the following semester and will take the form of the submission of written work. Details of the assessment will normally be provided on Blackboard. The deadline for submission will normally be no earlier than week 8 of the semester and no later than week 10. If you are in any doubt about the details, please contact the School office

Name Role
Dr Marie Moran Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Thomas Aherne Tutor