Taster lecture: sociology

Session time: 11.15-12.15

In this insight4me Sociology webinar for schools and colleges, two universities will each have roughly 30 minutes to deliver a punchy, topic based ‘micro’ talk. Within an overall session theme of Focus On Identity, the universities have the freedom to choose their own topic and use the time to convey the key points of the case studies for the students.

For UEA, Dr Carlene Cornish will present: When racism, poverty, power and prestige collide in Education: A case study of a working class, ‘Mixed’ race female student studying at a prestigious ‘White’ university in South Africa.

"The words, “Sorry, you’re not ‘Black’ enough” painfully alerted me to the domineering presence of institutional racism at the University of Cape Town (UCT), a prestigious university which customarily reserved access for ‘White’, affluent and international students. Positioned at the intersections of race, gender and social class, this study draws on Critical Race Theory’s counter-storytelling, using autoethnographic research to critically reflect on my childhood and educational journey in South Africa. The talk reveals painful experiences of microaggressions and overt racism, but also celebratory moments of academic success and individual resilience."

Through the discussion, the universities are encouraged to provide an insight into the teaching and learning experience of this topic at university, and compare and contrast how other subject areas across the Sociology spectrum might be treated. Students will gain an insight into how these subjects continue beyond A-levels, T-levels, IB, BTEC and equivalent qualifications.

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. This means that sessions will continue irrespective of possible school closures.

Suitable for: Year 12 & 13 students (and equivalent) studying, or with a possible interest in studying, Sociology and related disciplines.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Bluejeans and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered prior to the event.