The aim of the module was to introduce the students to the dynamics and processes implicit to inequality and social exclusion. Further, to make them aware of the complexity of the conceptualisation and operationalisation of equality and social exclusion. At the end of the module students will be able to apply their understanding of both concepts to key substantive areas in Irish society.

This module will focus on the following issues: * what is inequality and how do we conceptualise and measure it * how do people think both broadly and narrowly about what inequality is, where it comes from, and what it means for people and societies * what are global patterns of inequality and how does this reflect and influence contemporary political dynamics * what is social mobility and how do people and generations change socioeconomic position over time * what role do social institutions - schools, families, communities, criminal justice - have in shaping social inequalities both within and across social groups

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: * Define inequality and social exclusion. * Describe the global patterning of economic inequality and how it relates to differences within and between countries * Describes different philosophical positions on inequality in societies and how these are or are not consistent with best evidence on the social dynamics that produce inequality * Develop an understanding of how contemporary patterns of inequality both reflect and produce political processes * Describe the social basis of inequality and public attitudes towards inequality * Identify how the key concepts related to social exclusion and inequality are conceptualised and operationalised * Identify the role of institutions (e.g., schools, families, communities) in shaping inequality and life chances * Define, describe, and where appropriate critique the mechanisms and processes of stratification and social mobility * Assess the key public, private and voluntary bodies and agencies involved in addressing social exclusion and inequality

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: * Appreciate the social, structural, cultural, and ideological implications of both inequality and social exclusion within and beyond Irish society for particular individuals and groups.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: NA

This 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, online lectures, provision of lecture notes and online reading materials and assessment.