Singapore University of Social Sciences

Sociology of Education

Sociology of Education (SOC313)

Synopsis

SOC313 Sociology of Education will examine the relationships between education and society by reviewing a variety of theoretical perspectives and empirical studies. Topics include selected aspects of school organisation (tracking/streaming, class size, special education), social and cultural reproduction, the effect of social class on schooling outcomes, knowledge production, teaching as a profession, higher education, and globalisation and education.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every January

Topics

  • Introduction to the sociology of education
  • Theoretical perspectives
  • Studying schools: research methods in context
  • The development and reform of the education system in Singapore
  • Selected effects of school organisation (1)
  • Selected effects of school organisation (2)
  • School stratification
  • Forms of capital and reproduction of inequalities
  • What is taught in schools?
  • Teaching as a profession
  • Higher education
  • Globalisation and education

Learning Outcome

  • Discuss the major sociological approaches to education
  • Analyse the relationship of education to other social institutions such as the family, government, religion, and the economy
  • Examine how students’ background characteristics shape their educational opportunities and outcomes
  • Apply course material to the analysis of educational policies, practices, and reform
  • Evaluate evidence bearing on the relation between facts and theoretical perspectives on education
  • Demonstrate communication skills in written and spoken expression
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