Monash University

Leader: Dr Karen Crinall

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit explores current social issues in Australian society, the interconnections and relationships between them and how the array of cultural, social, political, economic, legal and media influences shape our considerations of social problems. Students are encouraged to reflect on, and challenge, their own values and beliefs through utilising concepts offered by contemporary social theory.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Have developed an understanding and knowledge of current social issues through an awareness of various discourses about

social problems and the links between these and how social issues are defined and addressed;

2. Have acquired an understanding of the concepts of objectivity and subjectivity through critical examination of their

personal values and beliefs and the social ideologies which underpin them;

3. Have developed their ability to research a social issue;

4. Be able to distinguish between opinion and fact when processing information, conversing and writing about social issues.

Assessment

Off-campus students - Research assignment (2500 words): 50%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

On-campus students - Research assignment (2500 words): 40% Examination (2 hours): 50%

Class participation:10%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in an Arts discipline or permission.

Prohibitions

GSC1301, GSC2311