Semester 2, optional modules (choose two):
- Mind, Body and Health Inequalities (30 credits)
What are the physical and mental health inequalities faced by people across the course? Examine historical and current inequalities in both physical and mental health in the UK and globally. Focus on how inequality is treated from the perspective of the effects of social class, gender, ethnicity and other factors, as well as the interrelationship between them. Complete an essay which will develop your analysis of health inequalities at a local or global level, which is ideal for those wanting to work in the statutory, public and charity sector working to address health inequalities at all stages throughout the life course.
- Fear of a Queer Planet? Sexuality and Inequality (30 credits)
What does it mean to be LGBTQI+ (or ‘queer’) today in the social world? What are the structural barriers and inequalities faced by queer people across the globe? Why does global homophobia, biphobia and transphobia exist? Probe these questions which will form the basis of this module as struggles over LGBTQI+ identity politics, human rights and inequalities have become more prominent in world politics. Examine key debates, movements and changes around an increasing awareness of sexuality and gender identity and explore the issues faced by queer lives, communities, cultures and societies both locally and across the globe. Finish the module by completing a research report for the United Nations Independent SOGI Expert, which is ideal for those wanting to work for national or global bodies in human rights, charity work, international development and social justice campaigns.
- Identities, Inequalities and Exploitation in the Media: Exploring the Digital Divide (30 credits)
Develop your understanding of the ways in which new technological advances can produce, perpetuate or counteract social and structural inequalities. Consider the role technology plays in criminal acts and evaluate the uses of digital media in the development of new crime, victimisation and law enforcement. Explore a variety of theoretical perspectives to explain the digital divide and evaluate their impact on global development. Use media analysis to gain an understanding of mediated identities / ideologies and examine the ways micro-interactions can facilitate macro-level interventions. Finish the module by producing an e-resource which will support those seeking to work in the digital industries, third sector service provision or social justice campaigning.
- Global Childhoods (30 credits)
Develop your understanding of the ways in which notions of childhood can produce, perpetuate or counteract social and structural inequalities. Consider the role of children within families and families themselves contribute to inequality within our societies and from local, national, and global perspectives. Explore a variety of theoretical perspectives to explain differences and divides between children’s experiences and evaluate the impact of globalism on childhood. Use the concept of agency to gain an understanding of mediated identities/ideologies. Finish the module by producing a comparative analysis of children’s lives using a local, national, and global perspective.
- A Troubled World? Activism, Resistance and Social Justice (30 credits)
Develop your knowledge of why activists, social justice and resistance groups develop as a site of resistance against wider forms of inequality and discrimination. Develop your knowledge of theories of social change and the movements and campaigns seeking to achieve this change, including their own impacts, successes and failures. Focus on local to global issues as you explore case studies of movements using examples such as the Arab Spring, #MeToo, migrant rights, climate change activists, anti-poverty, FairTrade and human rights. Distinguish the forces working to curtail and oppress activist and social justice networks and their levels of success in doing this. Finish the module with developing a skills toolkit in exploring how activism methodologies work and through writing a campaign pack for an activist or social justice movement which is ideal for those seeking to work in campaigning, social justice, human rights and advocacy of oppressed voices.
- Risk, Austerity and Neoliberalism (30 credits)
How has austerity and economic/social policy affected our lives and services? Has this created further inequalities? Examine how in an increasingly global world, we are at the mercy of economic policies that affect the NHS, education, the Third Sector, youth policy, social care of older people and offender management. Examine the role of neoliberalism and austerity in increasingly ‘risky’ times, including the effects of these on societies, communities and neighbourhoods. Complete an essay analysing the issues impacting upon people due to global capitalism, neoliberalism and austerity, which would support work in all sectors who face the current or future prospect of financial cuts.
- Sex, Gender and Sexuality: Citizenship, Choice and the State (30 credits)
What is the relationship between sex, gender, citizenship and the state? Examine how we live in societies and nation states with differing legal frameworks which shape our everyday interactions. Explore the politics of gender in our global world and some of the most pressing social issues, such as human trafficking, sex work, transgender identities, pornography and gender-based violence. Investigate theoretical approaches to gender such as masculinities, post-structuralism, black feminism and materialist feminist theories. Complete an academic poster review assessment and finish the module with a firm grasp of gender-based issues and human rights, which is ideal for those seeking to work in fields such as global and local human rights, gender-based issues, international development and working in the Third Sector.