SOCS2200

Social Analysis: Key Perspectives in the Social Sciences

Faculty of Education and Arts School of Humanities and Social Science

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2012

Callaghan Campus	Semester 1
Ourimbah	Semester 1

Previously offered in 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006

This course is a prescribed course for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science. It is open to other students as an elective.

In this course students examine key topics and perspectives in the social sciences, relevant to social science careers. Theory and contemporary research on social class and inequality, social capital, gender, the state and social policy, bureaucracy and work, and the welfare state are covered.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of social theories and research relevant to the Social Sciences.
2. Critically appraise and discuss the relevant literature.
3. Communicate understanding of social theories and debates in written and oral forms.
4. Apply the insights of social theory to professional practice in the Social Sciences, particularly in the areas of social research, social policy and program management.

Content

Theories of social class (Marx and Weber); the "end of class" debate; the experience of social inequality.
1. Bureaucracy (Weber's model); deskilling and work; the McDonaldization thesis.
2. The 'capitalist state'; the welfare state, globalisation and economic rationalism.
3. Governmentality and normalisation.
4. Social capital; the theory of declining social capital; the engineering of social capital.
5. Gender; the materialist-feminist model; gender in work and domestic life today; gender inequality and social services.

Replacing Course(s)

Not applicable.

Transition

Not applicable.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

40 units of study at 1000 level.

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Seminar

Assessment Items

Examination: Class

In class tests - 1000 words; 20%

Essays / Written Assignments

2000 words; 40%

Examination: Take Home