GSC2701

Community studies

Proposed to be offered next in 2000

Keith Wilson

8 points - 3 hours per week - Second semester - Gippsland and distance - Prerequisites: Completion of eight first-level subjects in humanities and social sciences or permission

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should have a clear understanding of the causes and consequences of community stress because of current problems arising out of rapid social change and restructuring of economics. They will gain insight into the nature of a wide range of community organisations and their relevance in our times.

Synopsis Our society is subject to rapid social change. Many traditional forms of social organisation are unable to provide for some people's needs, others 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 Tutorial paper, including oral presentation (300 words) and written presentation (1200 words): 20% - Essay (2500 words): 40% - Examination (2 hours): 40%

Prescribed texts

To be advised

Back to the 1999 Arts Handbook