SP413 Half Unit
Understanding Social (Dis)advantage
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr. Amanda Sheely OLD 2.52
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Criminal Justice Policy, MSc in Inequalities and Social Science, MSc in International Social and Public Policy, MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Development), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (LSE and Fudan), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Migration), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations), MSc in International Social and Public Policy (Research) and MSc in Social Research Methods. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
All Social Policy Courses are ‘Controlled Access’. Please see the link below for further details on the allocation process.
https://info.lse.ac.uk/current-students/services/course-choice/controlled-access-courses
Amongst non Social Policy students, priority for places is given to students on the MSc Inequalities and Social Science.
Course content
This course addresses the emergence, maintenance and dynamics of social advantage and disadvantage in different areas of life across different social groups. It explores inequalities in income, poverty & wealth, labour market position, family resources, education, crime, and life chances, with reference to social groups defined according to their gender, ethnicity, as well as citizenship and migration status. It pays specific attention to intersectional, cumulative and relational processes in the reproduction of inequalities.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the LT. 1 hour and 30 minutes of lectures in the ST.
Formative coursework
Students will be required to undertake a formative essay.
Indicative reading
The core text for the course is:
- H Dean & L Platt (eds) 2016.Social Advantage and Disadvantage. Oxford University Press.
- Other indicative background reading:
- Milanovic, B. 2016. Global Inequality, The Belknap Press.
- McCall, L. (2005). ‘The Complexity of Intersectionality’. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 30(3): 1771–800.
- Atkinson, A.B. (2015). Inequality: What can be done? Harvard University Press.
- Faist, T. (2016) 'Cross-Border Migration and Social Inequalities'. Annual Review of Sociology, 42: 323-346.
- Payne, G. (ed.) 2013. Social Divisions. Third Edition. Palgrave Macmilla.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 2400 words) in the ST.
The summative assessment for this course comprises an essay in ST. Students must answer two out of seven questions that will be given a week in advance of the due date. The maximum word limit for each question is 1,200 words.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Social Policy
Total students 2019/20: 42
Average class size 2019/20: 14
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Specialist skills
