Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

This unit examines the establishment of alternative communities and their relationship to traditional communities and the state. It gives students 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.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Understand the range of social formations that exist both as parts of communities and as communities in themselves;
2. Comprehend a range of perspectives on community organisation;
3. Critically understand the factors involved in community building, community innovation, community maintenance and community failure;
4. Comprehend the ways in which alternative communities engage with mainstream society;
5. Employ a range of analytical skills and conceptual frameworks;
6. Write well argued and competently written essays for assessment.

Assessment

Written work: 60%
2 hour exam: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Julie Fenley

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1-hour lecture, 1-hour tutorial)

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

History-politics
Community studies

Prerequisites

Completion of eight first-level Arts or permission

Prohibitions

GSC2701, HPL2511