In this course we examine the nature of sociological theory, the major varieties of sociological theories, the theorists who developed them, and the social and historical contexts of theory development and construction. Linkages between theory and research are examined. Types of theory, such as factionalism, conflict, social exchange theory and phenomenology are examined.
The course focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to, and current research on gender and gender-related issues. Further, gender-based theories are examined and compared with explanations for other forms of social stratification, implications for education and social mobility, family dynamics, the labour force and the economy in general, are also given attention.
The focus of this course is on the long-term effects of schooling on the individual, family, community and society at large. It is concerned with the cultural, economic, political, selection and change consequences of education on society and vice versa. It is also concerned with how these consequences impact on formal, non-formal and informal education.
This course is concerned with advanced classical and contemporary ideas of the masters of sociological thought. The ideas of Comte, Spencer, Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Parsons, Merton and emerging theories shall be examined.
The goal of the programme is to produce world class scholars capable of teaching in higher educational institutions, as well as contributing expert ideas that will inform educational policy, curricular content, and school classroom practice. That is, educational policy such as policy on equalization of educational opportunity across the gender, socio-economic background and rural-urban dichotomies. Other task will include monitoring the curriculum to check on relevance, currency and adequacy of content of teaching will be enriched with the expert ideas of the products of the programme.
Specifically the programme will produce graduates who will acquire knowledge and competency to:
- Teach in tertiary educational institutions in general and faculties, departments, as well as colleges of education in particular.
- Conduct educational research to inform policy.
- Identify, plan, execute and evaluate programmes in education.
- Participate actively in informed discourses on educational issues that are of social origin and character.
- Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service
- College of Education (Tutors)
- Security Services, NGOs
- Training Units of institutions
A successful applicant would be offered a probationary admission as a Postgraduate Research Student [PRS] for the first year. Students may progress to the second year after having satisfied the following conditions:
- Completed all courses required at the masters level
- Obtained a CGPA of 2.5 or better
- Taken a course in academic writing and passed
- Successfully defended a final research proposal before a department examining panel
A non- research master’s degree candidate seeking admission to the MPhil Programme must:
- Have obtained a CGPA of 2.5 or better in the masters course work
- Submit an official transcript of academic record
- Submit at least two referee’s report one of which must be from a former lecturer
- Submit a proposal of 2-3 pages on the intended area of study including references
- Satisfy any additional requirements prescribed by the colleges/faculties /schools /institutes/departments. This may include relevant work experience and written entrance examination and / or interview.
Resources
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Facilities
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Wood workshop that manufactures Teaching and Learning Materials for students for the purposes of teaching and learning as well as ensure maintenance of wood works within the Faculty.
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Laboratories for practical studies in science related courses
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Computer Laboratory for use by the students of the Faculty for teaching and learning
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Staff Resources
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A Training Restaurant which renders catering services to the Staff of the Faculty and the University at large.
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A Gym Centre that helps to provide the physical health needs of the staff of the Faculty and the University at large.
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Student Resources
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Faculty Library which is available for students use and research work.
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Wi-Fi Services: The faculty provides a 24-hour wi-fi service for its students. This facility is meant to ease the pressure students have to go through doing their assignments and other related academic researches.
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Post Graduate Laboratory: The faculty also has an ultra-modem Post Graduate lab where our Graduate Students undertake their research work and also hold other practical lectures and seminars.
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Graduate Rest Room for our post graduate students to relax and hold discussions pertaining to their work. It also serves as a waiting room for our post graduate students prior to the lecture period.
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The student is assigned supervisors who will guide him/her to identify a research topic to investigate based on the College of Education Studies and the University format on graduate thesis writing. The student reviews related literature, collects and analyses data and presents final report.
The seminar is designed to assist the doctoral student to specialize in two disability areas e.g. Developmental Disabilities (i.e. intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, autism), Sensory Disabilities (i.e. visual and hearing impairments), and Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. The student will examine the nature of inquiry in the selected areas and will be very conversant with emerging issues that will enable him/her develop a line of research to contribute to the knowledge base of the areas of interest. The seminar will further equip the student to develop programme plans, seek for service opportunities, and access funding/grants for research.
The course helps the student to understand how applied behaviour analysis (ABA) can be used to identify a student’s special educational needs. It will expose the student to the theoretical models that explain conditions under which humans behave. The student further examines multiplicity of interrelated paradigms underpinning classroom management. The course will encourage the student to study and understand individual and group behaviour patterns and structures in order to improve classroom performance and effectiveness. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to design and apply behaviour management techniques for making positive changes in students’ academic, social and/or affective behaviour.
The practicum helps the student to actualize theory with practice. The student identifies and assesses a child with special educational needs. The student will be able to assess, design and implement an individualized education plan (IEP) for the child. The student will also be expected to work for two semesters with teachers, parents and the community in meeting the needs of the child.