This module focuses on historical and theoretical conceptualisations and methodological approaches to researching ‘race' and ethnicity in contemporary society. Key questions that are interrogated on the module are: In what ways do the researcher and participants' racial and ethnic identities impact on the research process? In what ways are race and ethnicity shaped, and in turn shape, the experiences of class, gender, sexuality and religion? How do they intersect with other forms of social difference to affect relations of power and privilege? What are the ethical dilemmas of doing such research? How are different social contexts shaped by, and shape, race and ethnicity? What are the ways in which individuals, groups and communities challenge racism in order to raise awareness and contribute to social change? Throughout the module students will work to expand their critical thinking and research skills, make meaningful connections between theoretical concepts and lived experience, and to better understand how experiences of race and ethnicity interact with broader social structures.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Expand research skills applicable to future study and employability
This module is organised around a weekly three-hour workshop. In the first two hours of the workshops, these will provide you with a combination of contextualisation and explanation of theoretical concepts and methodological approaches to researching race and ethnicity. In-class exercises will consist of small group activities, discussion of readings and media presentations that will allow you to individually and collectively engage with and work through the course material in order to achieve the aims and outcomes of the module.The third hour of the workshops will be used for small group tutorials such as on assessment preparation and feedback and critical reading groups that address in-depth both academic and popular texts on race and ethnicity.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Workshops (3hrs x 22 weeks) | 66 |
| Guided independent study | Research Project | 234 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
You will complete three summative assessments for this module: a Critical Reflection based on your visit to an exhibition at a gallery in London; a short Research Project, based on a topic of interest that addresses issues of race and ethnicity; and a Research Proposal for the preparation of the Level 6 Dissertation, which you will undertake the following year. You will also have the opportunity to complete a formative draft research proposal before you undertake the Research Project in order to get feedback on your initial ideas.
Critical Reflection: 1000 words (25%)
Draft Research Proposal (formative)
Research Project: 3000 words (60%)
Dissertation Proposal: 500 words (15%)
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Critically engage with historical and contemporary theoretical debates around race and ethnicity | Critical reflection Research project |
| Critically reflect on concepts such as race and ethnicity, racism and difference in contemporary societies | Critical reflection Research project |
| Analyse how social contexts, spaces and relations shape and are shaped by race and ethnicity | Critical reflection Research project |
| Apply research skills to investigate experiences of race and ethnicity | Research project |
| Critically consider challenges and forms of resistance to racism | Critical reflection Research project |
| Expand research skills applicable to future study and employability | Research Project Dissertation research proposal |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| CWK | Dissertation proposal | 15 |
| CWK | Critical reflection | 25 |
| CWK | Research project report | 60 |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module
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Gunaratnam, Y. (2003) Researching 'Race' and Ethnicity: Methods, Knowledge and Power. London: Sage.
Hill Collins, P. and Solomos, J. eds. (2010) Sage Handbook of Race and Ethnic Studies. London: Sage.
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