Leader: Dr Vaughan Higgins

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Singapore Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit explores the different ways in which our lives are connected increasingly to global events and processes. Through the study of topics such as consumption, work, sport, crime and terrorism, international migration, and environmental degradation it questions the inevitability of 'globalisation' and examines its social causes and consequences. Specifically, the unit engages with important social questions such as: 'How does globalisation shape our everyday experiences?' 'In what ways does it contribute to social divisions as well as new forms of belonging?' and 'What are the strategies pursued by various social groups for creating a more environmentally and socially just world?'

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. understand the nature of sociological explanation and its difference to other forms of explanation;
2. be able to recognise the different ways in which sociologists theorise and research the social world;
3. be able to apply basic sociological concepts to issues of local and global concern;
4. have gained skills in the written presentation of an argument, including the ways in which sociologists incorporate and acknowledge the ideas of other writers; and,
5. begin to develop a critical, questioning approach to reading/assessing sociological material that provides a sound basis for further study in the discipline.

Assessment

Short essay (1000 words): 25%
Long essay (1500 words): 35%
Final examination (2 hour): 40%

Contact hours

3 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prohibitions

GSC1202