soc2iss issues in the social sciences
ISSUES IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES
SOC2ISS
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject aims to introduce students to some of the major debates within the social sciences, such as between quantitative approaches to social research and more interpretative methods, or between theories which stress the role of social structure in determining behaviour and those which focus on individual action. It does this through selected case studies of key contemporary social questions, such as: Does welfare reduce or perpetuate disadvantage? How racist are Australians? Do Australians trust their politicians less than they used to? Are crime and violence increasing? Is inequality on the increase in Australia? In answering these questions, the subject will use perspectives from the social science disciplines of Sociology, Anthropology, Politics and Legal Studies.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorAnthony Moran
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Completion of POL1AUP and SOC1SAC, and enrolment in the Bachelor of Social Sciences (ABSS).
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditions This is a 2nd year core subject for the Bachelor of Social Sciences (ABSS). It is only available to ABSS students.
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Analyse key ethical and cultural issues in the social sciences
- Activities:
- Case studies of key social issues form the backbone of the subject - thus discussed and analysed each week. Ethical and cultural issues addressed in the essay and the exam; and for some students in the oral presentation
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Ethical & Cultural Awareness(Ethical & Cultural Awareness)
02. Analyse the historical emergence of the social sciences and their different methodological approaches to the study of social issues
- Activities:
- This ILO will be covered in the first module of the Unit; it will inform social issues case studies; it will be one element assessed in the essay; and it will be assessed by a short essay response in the exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Life-Long Learning(Life-Long Learning)
03. Summarise research and arguments on a relevant topic, evaluate diverse positions and arguments, and present a sustained complex written argument within the social sciences
- Activities:
- A 1600-word essay requiring students to address a major issue in the social sciences assesses each aspect of this ILO - with components summarising research and arguments, critically evaluating diverse positions/arguments, and presenting a sustained complex written argument in the social sciences. The exams are short essays, assessing summarisning and evaluation. Each workshop will involve the examination of diverse positions in the social sciences, and critical engagement with these.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
04. Work effectively in small groups as a member and/or team leader on a social problem, and present a brief and persuasive argument about an aspect of that social problem, drawing upon social science evidence
- Activities:
- Students to work in designated small groups on analysis of specific social problems,and each student to make a brief oral presentation on one aspect of that social problem (assessed) - this learning activity will contribute to teamwork capability, creative problem solving, and individual capacity for speaking in small and large groups
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorAnthony Moran
Class requirements
Lecture/SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture/seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 1,600-word essay | 40 | 01, 03 | |
| one oral presentation (equivalent to 400 words) | 10 | 04 | |
| two 1-hour exams (each 1,000-word equivalent) | 50 | 01, 02, 03 |