Education Studies 5: Sociology of Education

Module Overview and ObjectivesPage 1

This module, B-EDS 315, is designed for BEd students in Foundation and Intermediate Phase teaching. It aims to develop a deep understanding of sociological issues and their impact on schooling, enabling teachers to act professionally within the education system.

Programme Structure and Learning TypesPage 2

The BEd programme consists of 498-529 credits and integrates five types of learning: Fundamental, Disciplinary, Situational, Pedagogical, and Practical. The course is structured to align with NQF level 7 standards, requiring approximately 140 hours of study.

Sociological Perspectives on EducationPage 1

The module uses sociology to examine how societies shape education and how education in turn influences societal structures. It addresses inequality, gender, class, and the role of schools in either eliminating or reinforcing social disparities.

Global Context and PolicyPage 10

Unit 1 explores global education systems, international agreements (like UN conventions), and the role of institutions like UNESCO in setting targets (e.g., Sustainable Development Goal 4) to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.

Theoretical ToolsPage 42

Unit 2 introduces core sociological theories, including Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism, alongside concepts like Bourdieu's cultural capital and Bernstein's code theory to analyze educational contexts.

Assessment and Academic IntegrityPage 6

The module includes formative assessments (two assignments) and a summative assessment (examination). It strictly mandates academic integrity, highlighting the severe consequences of plagiarism and the requirement for originality in all submitted work.