This module will discuss critical theoretical and empirical perspectives on urban studies. Cities provide important contexts for thinking about the relationships between social processes and spatial forms, as dynamic sites of social inequalities, complex social relations, and socioeconomic change. Globalisation, neoliberalism and immigration are all big social processes affecting and shaping cities and their residents’ everyday lives. Through in-depth readings and lectures, the module will explore classic and contemporary theoretical perspectives and issues on the modern and contemporary city, related to global cities and mega-cities as well as smaller cities, social exclusion and difference, community and social relations in the city, gentrification and urban transformation, urban poverty and public space. We will also explore these perspectives and issues with reference to a range of international empirical examples. Each week students will present a small-scale empirical research project (observation, interview or visual representation) of their own in the seminars, related with that week’s topic.
Sociology of Education is a sub-discipline of Sociology that takes a critical and analytical look at the design, development, experience and outcomes of the education system. Over the course of the module we will take the UK education system as a case study for helping us to understand the ways in which political, social, moral and economic agendas have shaped (and continue to shape) schools and universities. Paying close attention to key policy-making, we will ask critical questions about the role and purpose of education in relation to wider society. What kinds of knowledge and ways of knowing are permitted or excluded in traditional educational settings? Does education challenge or reproduce social inequalities? How do young people and teachers experience education?