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Alternatives to straight research
Proposed to be offered next in 1996
C Atmore
This option explores some critical issues in doing social research which tend to be marginalised or ignored in methodological cookbooks. Themes covered include ethical controversies, relations of power in the research process, and the construction of research accounts. There is a particular emphasis on feminist social research and its engagement with postmodernist critiques.
Assessment
Seminar paper (2000 words): 40% * Essay (4000 words): 60%
Recommended texts
Bowles G and Klein R Theories of women's studies 1983
Harding S The science question in feminism 1986
Lather P Getting smart: Feminist research and pedagogy within the postmodern 1991
Roberts H Doing feminist research 1981/1990
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Data appreciation
R Adlem
Prerequisite: SCY2150 Research techniques
A two-hour weekly seminar in elementary applied statistics that is designed to strengthen students' research skills. It follows on from SCY2150 which is a prerequisite. Seminars will cover basic survey sampling theory, measures of association and tests of significance. While SCY2150 and `Data appreciation' are not prerequisites for `The joy of `X': computer data processing and analysis using SPSS-X', they do provide a good background for students.
Assessment
One practical assignment: 40% * Two class tests: 30% each
Prescribed texts
Foddy W H Elementary applied statistics for the social sciences Harper and Row, 1988
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The joy of `X': computer data processing and analysis using SPSS-X
P C Hiller
This option builds on both the second-year research methods subject and `Data appreciation'. Whilst not formal prerequisites, students will benefit most if these subjects have been taken previously. It deals with the principles and practices of coding and with the practicalities of analysing sociological data, especially using modern `statistical packages' (SPSS) on computers.
Assessment
Students will be required to complete a variety of practical exercises which will together be the equivalent of 6000 words written work.
Prescribed texts
Diemer K M and Hiller P C The joy of `X': A research lover's introduction to SPSS-X 2nd edn, Monash U, 1992
Recommended texts
de Vaus D A Surveys in social research Allen and Unwin, 1985
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Population and migration
R J Birrell
This option examines (a) the factors shaping Australian immigration policy since World War II and the outcome as regards country of origin, skill and other social characteristics of migrants, and (b) the migrant impact on Australian society, including inter ethnic relations, the `multicultural' challenge and class relationships.
Assessment
Essay based on a class presentation (2000 words): 40% * Essay (4000 words): 60%
Recommended texts
Betts K Ideology and immigration MUP, 1988
Birrell R and Birrell T An issue of people rev. edn, Longman Cheshire, 1987
Castles F and others Mistaken identity, multiculturalism and the demise of nationalism in Australia 2nd edn, Pluto, 1990
Day L and Rowlands D (eds) How many more Australians? Longman Cheshire, 1988
National Population Council Final report, population issues and Australia's future AGPS, 1992
Poole M and others (eds) Australia in transition, culture and life possibilities Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1987
Wayne Smith J (ed.) Immigration, population and sustainable environments: The limits to Australia's growth Flinders Press, 1991
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Sociology of religion
G D Bouma
Focusing on religion in Australia, this option examines the problem of religious meaning, the emergence and maintenance of religious systems of meaning. The interaction between religion and society. The operation of religious meaning systems - the way in which they develop, become organised, are propagated and maintained - is the core concern of the subject.
Assessment
Research report (3000 words): 50% * Seven papers (300 words each): 50%
Prescribed texts
Black A Religion in Australia Allen and Unwin, 1991
Bouma G D Religion: Meaning, transcendence and community in Australia Longman, 1991
Recommended texts
Beckford J A Religion and advanced industrial society Unwin Hyman, 1989
Bouma G D The religious factor in Australian life Marc, 1986
Mol H The faith of Australians Allen and Unwin, 1985
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Sociology of self
W H Foddy
This option deals, primarily from a symbolic interactionist point of view, with the following topics: measurement techniques; the role of `typifications' in social interaction (motives, emotions, disclaimers, excuses); self process in sub-human species; emergence of self-processes in humans; self-evaluation/self-esteem; objective self-awareness; role-taking; presentation of self; self-monitoring; embarrassment/stigma; self-disclosure; privacy; obscenity; loneliness; shame and guilt, shyness; jealousy; love; identity crises; and the relationship between social structure and self.
Assessment
Seminar paper (2000 words): 40% * Essay (4000 words): 60%
Preliminary reading
Baldwin J D George Herbert Mead: A unifying theory for sociology Sage, 1986
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Women and social control
A R Edwards
Social control is a useful concept for the analysis of power and regulation of social life by key institutions in society and has been used by a number of sociological perspectives (including deviancy theory and Marxism) and by feminist theorists. The focus here is on the mechanisms and processes of social control over women and gender relations. The main institutions examined are the state, welfare, the law and criminal justice, medicine and psychiatry.
Assessment
Paper (1000 words): 15% * Paper (1500 words): 20% * Essay (3500 words): 65%
Prescribed texts
Edwards A Regulation and repression Allen and Unwin, 1988
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Women, gender and society
J van Bommel
This option critically assesses the position of women in contemporary society through a critique of sociological explanations and an examination of the theories and practices of feminism. The topics include a history of feminism; the feminisms; patriarchy; and feminist theories of gender, class and the sexual division of labour. In particular, we will focus on the issues of equal pay, gender at work, and women and technology. We shall conclude with a brief discussion of what concerns Australian feminists today, for example the `equality versus difference' debate, the body and psychoanalysis.
Assessment
Two essays (3000 words): 50% each
Recommended texts
Barrett M Women's oppression today Verso, 1988
Butler J and Scott J W (eds) Feminists theorize the political Routledge, 1992
Grosz E and Pateman C (eds) Feminist challenges Allen and Unwin, 1986
Gunew S (ed.) Feminist knowledge: Critique and construct Routledge, 1990
Wajcman J Feminism confronts technology Allen and Unwin, 1991
Walby S Theorising patriarchy Basil Blackwell, 1990