Module Code - Title:
LA5071
-
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE (ONLINE)
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to contemporary issues in workplace equality and diversity and the legal duties and/or best practice requirements on employers to secure equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Students will engage in a value mapping exercise to reflect upon their own perceptions (and sometimes prejudices) concerning aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion to understand the legal, social and cultural factors arising and they will consider foundational theoretical concepts of equality. Thereafter, the module will focus on a range of legal and human resources perspectives concerning equality in the workplace. This will allow students to develop an understanding of equality throughout the employment cycle and to comprehend the legal duties on organisations to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Syllabus:
The syllabus will reflect contemporary issues in equality, diversity and inclusion and so will naturally evolve each year to respond to the changing legal and social environment in Ireland and abroad. Topics offered within this module may include
- Conceptions of Equality
- Introduction to the Irish Legal System
- Introduction to Irish Employment law
- Employment Equality legislation
- Recruitment - fair procedures/ inclusive hiring practices
- Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
- Grievance and fair procedures
- Victimisation in the workplace
- Unconscious bias
- Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Explain the legal obligations on employers to uphold equality in the workplace
- Identify best practice in addressing grievances and victimisation in the workplace
- Evaluate and critique theories of equality
- Develop an understanding of equality throughout the employment cycle
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Explain different ways of conceptualising equality, diversity and inclusion
- Identify the different legal and procedural obligations imposed on employers to ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion are maintained in the workplace
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be delivered online. The module aims to engage students in proactive and creative learning both independently and as part of a collective online forum. It aims to enable students to broaden their understanding of the discipline and articulate their understanding through written and digital communication. Methods of teaching will include video recording of lectures, provision of lecture notes and online reading materials and assessment.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Regan and Murphy (2017)
Employment Law in Ireland
, Bloomsbury
Mary Faulkner (2013)
Essentials of Irish Labour Law
, Gill and Macmillan
Tanya Ní Mhuirthile, Catherine O'Sullivan and Liam Thornton (2016)
Fundamentals of the Irish Legal System
, Roundhall
Nelarine Cornelius (2002)
Building workplace equality: ethics, diversity and inclusion
, Thomson
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BAAPCJTDA - APPLIED POLICING AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
eddie.keane@ul.ie