GSC1202

Sociological issues

Marianne Robinson and Parimal Roy

6 points - Equivalent to 3 hours per week - Second semester - Gippsland and distance

Objectives On successful completion of the subject students should have an understanding of the major sociological perspectives, using the concepts of power and autonomy to analyse current social issues, to develop and practice observation skills using the popular media to analyse key issues of public debate and to draw on the concepts of class, ideology, race, ethnicity, gender and age to explain the structure of Australian society and the formation of social groups which attempt to influence the balance of power in Australia and other societies.

Synopsis The concepts of power and autonomy are used to examine contemporary social issues. The focus of study will alternate between public debate and more theoretical writing to show how sociological theory is used to explain and critically examine social phenomena.

Assessment Assignment one (1000 words): 25% - Assignment two (1500 words): 35% - Final examination (2 hour): 40%

Prescribed texts

McDonald K Pressing questions: Explorations in sociology, Longman, 1997
Stafford C and Furze B (eds) Society and change: A sociological introduction to contemporary Australia Macmillan, 2nd edn, 1997

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