PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN THE SOCIOLOGY OF IRELAND
The course is suitable for persons seeking to develop a sociological understanding of the world we live in. Learners will be introduced to key theorists such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim.
Learners will also be encouraged to develop a sociological imagination and apply it to contemporary issues in Modern Ireland such as gender and sexuality, social division and Crime.
Week 1 – Introduction to the course and origins, dynamics and context of the sociological imagination
Week 2 – Socological theory
Week 3 – Sociology & Modernity
Week 4 – Sociological research methods
Week 5 – The dynamics of Irish Development
Week 6 – The Irish Family – a sociological undertstanding
Week 7 – Gender and Sexuality in Ireland
Week 8 – Social divisions – who rules Ireland?
Week 9 – The body, health and illness
Week 10 – Crime and deviance
Students must attend at least 80% of classes to graduate with either the Professional Diploma or Certificate of Attendance unless a serious and verifiable reason for further absence is provided.
If completing the course online, students’ attendance and participation of the live or recorded classes is tracked through Moodle.
The Professional Diploma is assessed by an assignment.

Lecturer
Anita Brady
Anita Brady BSoc.Sc., MScoc.Sc. is a graduate of Maynooth University and a Bachelor of Sociology and Social Policy and holds a Master’s Degree in Rights and Social Policy. Upon completion of Anita’s undergraduate Degree, she was awarded first-class honours in respect of her Dissertation which examined the experiences of whistleblowers in Ireland.
Anita has presented lectures on the experiences of whistleblowers from a sociological and policy perspective and was a tutor in Maynooth University where she tutored the module entitled: Political economy within the European Union.
Anita’s Master’s Degree explored from a social policy perspective, tribunals and inquiries in Ireland, with a particular emphasis on corruption, malpractice, wrongdoing and whistleblowing scandals in an Garda Síochána. Anita currently works in the area of social care; specifically, working with children who have experienced major trauma and in the care of the State. Anita currently lectures the Diploma in Social Studies in City Colleges Dublin.
Course Award
A City College’s Professional Diploma Course is a focused, practical programme designed and delivered by an industry practitioner, that consolidates, upskills or reskills learners in a professional area. They are stand-alone qualifications that indicate that you have been trained in a particular area or specific subject matter.
City College Diplomas are suitable for career minded learners wishing to advance their professional skills and prospects. They are widely accepted by employers and many students are sponsored to study here by their organisation.
Corporate Training
In addition to our scheduled Professional Diploma courses, City Colleges can provide bespoke training over 3 – 4 days, please contact Kevin.Coyne@citygroup.ie for further details.
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