SOCA6320
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
The role of advocacy and advocates is central in shaping inclusive, equitable and diverse communities, organisations and workplaces. Advocates work across global and local spheres, speaking up for injustice, drawing our attention to struggles, vulnerability and unfairness, and driving positive change that aims to increase the welfare of individuals, local communities and the world. But, what is advocacy? Why is advocacy important? Who advocates and who is advocated for? Do we advocate for people or for issues? And, what is good advocacy practice?This course takes on these questions and interrogates the phenomenon, concept and practice of advocacy across a diverse range of equity themes, including Indigeneity, race, ethnicity, class and gender. It builds students’ knowledge and insights into the role of advocacy in driving social and cultural change (both globally and locally), the pitfalls and dangers embedded in advocacy, and the potential for advocacy to be co-opted by other agendas. We will explore the distinction between advocacy within organisations and advocacy for groups, interrogate the line between advocacy and activism, and consider where and how advocacy can become counter to its mission and reproduce inequitable, colonial and hegemonic structures. The course has an embedded work-integrated element and, through the course, students will get the opportunity to build their own advocacy campaign and champion a cause they are passionate about, meet and learn from advocates who work in different sectors and for various causes.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 1 - 2024
Online
- Semester 1 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify and locate suitable practices of advocacy within institutions and communities.
2. Assemble strategies that drive positive institutional, organisational, social and cultural change.
3. Appraise the role of individual actors and organisations driving social change and working for collective rights and wellbeing.
4. Design an issue-centred advocacy campaign based on rigorous desktop research and interrogation of the policy field.
5. Identify risks for advocacy and potential pitfalls.
6. Analyse the field of advocacy, champions and campaigns from a critical social theory perspective.
Content
Topics that will be drawn from include:
- What is advocacy and why does it matter?
- Working as an advocate and advocacy as practice.
- Representation in advocacy relations.
- Building communities of praxis.
- Strategies and tactics.
- Social and cultural change.
Assumed knowledge
Undergraduate degree majoring in Social Science or related discipline, or recognised prior learning or experience from relevant fields of practice.
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Reflexive Practice
Presentation: Pin-up Poster Presentation
Written Assignment: Case Study: Abstract
Written Assignment: Case Study: Advocacy Campaign
Written Assignment: Case Study: Critical Essay
Contact hours
Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan
Seminar-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Semester 1 - 2024 - Online
Online Activity-1
- Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s)
- Participation in CANVAS discussion and self-directed learning.
Course outline
- SOCA6320 - Semester 1, 2024 (All) (PDF, 261.7 KB)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.