HUMA3165

Australian Families: A Sociological Analysis

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Not available in 2014

Previously offered in 2006, 2005, 2004

Provides an introduction to the sociological study of the political and cultural aspects of Australian families. It focuses on the diversity of family patterns, setting the discussion of the social construction of families against a background of their historical and socio-economic features. Other emphases are family in the context of gender; the family and early childhood; families in multicultural Australia, Aboriginal families; families, social policies and the state.

Objectives Upon the completion of this course, students will be expected to demonstrate:
1. An understanding of a sociological approach to Australian families.
2. Ability to analyze and deal critically with different viewpoints on the family in Australia today.
3. Ability to understand the complexity and diversity of family life in Australia today.
4. Skills in writing an academic essay, in reading critically, and in doing research, appropriate to advanced undergraduate level.
Content ? Researching the family in Australia
? Sociological theories of the family
? Childhood and paradigms of socialisation
? Gender and the family in Australia
? Nuclear family, kinship and voluntary community as modes of the family
? Families in multicultural Australia and Aboriginal families
? Families, social policy and the nation state
? Family types, sexualities and the construction of gender
Replacing Course(s) This course replaces SOCA3870 for Central Coast.
Transition Students who have completed SOCA3870 should not enrol in this course. Students who are currently enrolled in SOCA3870 at Ourimbah for Semester 2 2003 will be invited to transfer into this course.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge 40 units 1000 level courses
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Minor Essay due mid-semester - 2,000 words worth 30%
Essays / Written Assignments Major Essay due end of semester - 2,500 words worth 50%
Group/tutorial participation and contribution Tutorial participation and attendance worth 10% and based upon evidence of completion of assigned reading tasks, informed conversation on weekly topics, ability to present opinions relevant to critical analysis of the reading set for each week.
Presentations - Tutorial Tutorial presentation due throughout semester and worth 10%
Contact Hours Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term