Community studies
BT BB DT GA PA BC BP BDT BJ BY
Peter Farago
Subject value of 1.0 (6 points) * 3 hours per week * Second semester * Gippsland/Distance * Prerequisities: Completion of eight first-level subjects in humanities and social sciences or permission
Our society is subject to rapid social change. Many traditional forms of social organisation are unable to provide for some people's needs, other choose to remain outside them. These are the unemployed, underemployed, retired, the disabled, displaced young people and the homeless. This subject examines a range of social formations that could meet the needs of such people. Students gain a critical understanding of community building, innovation, maintenance and failure. Topics include traditional communities, utopian communities, some theories of social organisations, cooperatives, religious communities, self-sufficient communities, innovative community networks, sects and service clubs.
Assessment
Class paper (1500 words): 20% * Essay (2000 words): 40% * Examination (2 hours): 40%
Prescribed texts
To be advised