Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit examines families as complex and diverse social contexts that impact upon health and well-being of human beings across the life course. Using government statistics, media reports, popular culture, and empirical epidemiological research, the unit examines how broader socio-political structures impact on families, and in turn, how families impact on the health of the individuals within them, Philosophy, history, social theory, and public health policy for families are also covered in the unit content.

The unit highlights the importance of a public health response to the needs of families which takes into account cultural diversity and socioeconomic inequalities. The unit is designed for anyone graduating in human services, social work, education, psychology or public health, and who will require a sophisticated understanding of how to critically interpret research on families, how families are represented in the media, which social and economic conditions are most conducive to familial health, and what social policies work best for all types of families.

Aims

To provide students with an understanding of the diversity of families, the social structures that impact on families, and the ways in which families influence the health, development and wellbeing of family members across the life course.

Objectives

Throughout all aspects of this unit sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender-related issues will be demonstrated as appropriate. On completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. recognise families as diverse and complex social institutions and relationships that vary across socioeconomic, sexual, ethnic, and cultural contexts
2. identify the key factors that impact on families and the health and wellbeing of family members, across the life course;
3. demonstrate knowledge of family statistics, their meanings and limitations;
4. analyse popular media and personal stories about families and compare the experiences reported with the trends and patterns reported in research;
5. draw conclusions from family research regarding the potential for policies, services and interventions to promote and protect the health and wellbeing of individuals.

Content

Topics addressed include:
philosophy and social theory
critical analysis of data, research, and media on families
diversity and ethnicity in families
socioeconomic inequalities in families
same-sex parenting
divorce, step-parenting, and remarriage
religious beliefs and families
fertility timing and child rearing
schools environments and families
impact of geography and area of residence on families
new trends in family structures.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will be available in internal mode. It will use a variety of teaching and learning approaches to assist you to understand how family theory and research can contribute to a better understanding of the factors influencing the health, development and wellbeing of individuals. Methods include lectures, tutorial group discussions and learning activities, self-directed learning activities, required course readings and written assignments.

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed as you progress through the semester.
All assessment items for this unit are based on the individual work of each student. There are no group or joint assessment items. Students must undertake their research and writing for each assessment independently.Tutorials will provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills to undertake assessments, and for some assessment items, to plan and receive feedback on their planning.

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: YYou will be required to critically analyse a popular media item. This focuses on building your capacity to identify, define, interpret, describe and communicate.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Part A - Literature review and interview plan. You will choose a family transition (eg divorce, 'coming out', having a baby) and somebody to interview about their experience in this transition. Then you will conduct a literature review on the topic, and provide a plan for your interview. The focus is on building your capacity to interpret, infer, analyse, compare, evaluate, conclude, explain and communicate.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Report
Description: Part B: You will be required to engage in research involving a literature review and interview and use these to write a report. The focus is on building the capacity to interpret, infer, analyse, compare, evaluate, conclude, explain and communicate.
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set textbook for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 29-Oct-2012