HNC’s A Level Sociology students are once again taking part in the University of Leeds’ Sociological Imaginations Project, where the group will take part in a range of guest lectures, projects and visits to develop their knowledge and help to shape their next steps after College.
In A Level Sociology, students explore a wide range of topics, discovering more about the patterns and structures that operate within our society. Recently, HNC welcomed Tiana from the University of Leeds’ School of Sociology and Social Policy to deliver a guest workshop focusing on the representation of disability in the media. In this enlightening session, the group explored the often-problematic and stereotypical representation of those with disabilities, exploring a range of different representations from the media, from news articles to popular TV shows, and how the way in which people are depicted in the media can have an impact on our wider understanding as a society.
During the session, the group analysed real life case studies and applied sociological theories to understand more about whether a portrayal could be seen as problematic or positive. The group were then tasked with creating strategies to increase positive representation in the media and discussing the wider benefits that this would bring to society’s understanding of disability. Following the session, the next part of the project will see the group visit the University to take part in another university-level guest lecture, explore the campus, and find out more about studying for a related degree at university.
Emily Saxon, Faculty Lead Enrich, comments “We are delighted to once again be taking part in the University of Leeds’ Sociological Imaginations Project. In A Level Sociology, students explore a wide range of challenging topics to better understand how our society operates. In this university-level workshop, our A Level Sociology students were challenged to think deeply about the impact that the media can have on marginalised groups, in this case, those with disabilities. This is a session that has not only developed our students’ knowledge of the media and the impact that it has on our understanding of society and those within it, it has also allowed students to build on skills such as critical analysis – a skill that will support their progression far beyond HNC. Thank you to Tiana for delivering such an interesting and enlightening guest workshop”.