ATS3563 - Global consumption - 2018

This unit explores the processes of global consumption with a focus on the interrelationships between sex, race, and sustainability in contemporary western consumer practices. Using sociological and other theoretical perspectives, the unit offers an understanding of the changes in contemporary consuming practices being produced by globalization. The unit incorporates critical analysis of the discourses of advertising, media, travel and tourism, fashion, foreign aid and child sponsorship programs, and transnational labour movements.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. discuss critical debates in the area of global consumption with a focus on globalization, sex, race, and sustainability;
2. explain the changes in contemporary consuming practices being produced by globalization;
3. undertake critical sociological analysis of popular discourses, such as advertising, news production and other media and popular cultural forms that cross cultures and borders;
4. critically review, analyse, summarise and synthesise sociological scholarship and research;
5. formulate, conduct and present group research projects;
6. communicate complex ideas, principles and knowledge to non-specialist audiences.

Within semester assessment: 100%

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

International studies

Sociology