GSC2701

Community studies

(ART)

Keith Wilson

6 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Gippsland and distance + Prerequisites: Completion of eight first-level subjects in Humanities and Social Sciences or permission

Synopsis: Many traditional forms of social organisation are unable to meet the needs of groups of people that remain łoutside˛ society. These groups include the unemployed, 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, theories of social organisations, cooperatives, religious communities, sects, self-sufficient communities, community networks and the challenges facing Australian rural communities.

Assessment: Essay 2500 words) (On Campus include oral presentation): 60% + Examination (2 hours): 40%