ATS2825 - Social issues and personal values - 2017

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.

Upon successful completion of the 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.

Within semester assessment: 55% + Exam: 45%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Joan Smith

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

GSC1301, GSC2311, SCW2311