Issues in Sociology Seminar

Challenges To Sociology In The Institute Of Technology (Iot) Sector:

Coru, Technological Universities, And Beyond.

his symposium was aimed at sociologists lecturing in the IOT sector, so that under the banner of the Sociological Association of Ireland as a professional body, we could begin to make a definitive analysis of the current challenges for those teaching and researching as sociologists in the IOT sector.

​The Arts, Humanities and Social Science programmes in the IOT sector are currently approaching a threshold moment. This is coming from two direct sources. In the first instance the enactment of the Technological Universities legislation in March 2018 states that the ‘new’ Universities “…will focus on science and technology programmes that are vocationally and professionally oriented. Technological Universities will address the social and economic needs of their region and will engage in industry-focused research” (HEA 2018). While Arts, Humanities and Social science disciplines, whose utilitarian value and contribution is often viewed as residual to the needs of a ‘STEM’ feed economy, is nothing new nor specific to the IOT sector; it has none-the-less been placed on a new footing in the context of the Technological University legislation.

In the second instance social care, as a profession is deeply embedded in the IOT sector, is undergoing significant change due to the requirements of CORU. Presently each IOT is ensuring the learning outcomes of its present suite of modules meets the ‘Standards of Proficiency for the social care profession” in order to achieve professional accreditation from CORU. If anything this process is highlighting great differences in social care programmes across the state. Most certainly the contribution of each discipline, including sociology, to this vital profession is under some discussion.

This symposium is aimed at sociologists lecturing in the IOT sector, so that under the banner of the Sociological Association of Ireland as a professional body, we can begin to make a definitive analysis of the current challenges for those teaching and researching as sociologists in the IOT sector. As most of us are working in departments with psychologists, social care practitioners, economists, creative practitioners, political theorists and so forth, we rarely have an opportunity to discuss these matters with other sociologists. This symposium and its outputs aim to ensure that sociology continues to make an important contribution to the IOT sector, beyond CORU & beyond our reorientation as Technological Universities.

Programme

10.45 Coffee and introductions
11.00 Sociology and Social Care: the implications of CORU
11.45 Agreed actions on CORU
12.00 Training and Development of Sociologists in the IOT Sector
12.30 Roundtable on emerging issues
13.00 Lunch
14.00 Advocating for Sociology across the IOT Sector
14.45 Supporting Sociological Research in the IOT Sector
15.30 Roundtable on emerging issues and positions
16.00 Agreed future actions roundup
16.30 Close

Location

National University of Ireland
49 Merrion Square E,
Dublin 2,
Ireland

Nearest railway station: Pearse Station

Date & Time: 25 January 2019, 10.45 – 16.30