Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

It is imperative for human services and social work professionals to have a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of factors within Australian society which lead to and sustain disadvantage, marginalisation, social exclusion and injustice and breaches of human rights. This unit begins that understanding by providing an introduction to Australian society with a particular focus on those institutions, structures, systems and processes which are critical and relevant for professional practice. The unit is located in the first year as it provides the foundation for more intensive subsequent units, and an introduction to fundamental aspects of society, social policy and social welfare programs that affect human health and wellbeing.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide students with a beginning understanding of Australian society and an appreciation of the importance of selected institutions, structures, processes and systems for critical analysis and professional practice.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe essential structural and institutional features of Australian society (GVS1 - 1.6; GVS2 - 2.1; GVS4 - 4.1);


2. analyse important contemporary Australian social issues and social policy responses (GVS1 - 1.6, 1.8, 1.10; GVS4 - 4.1);


3. critique popular perceptions of Australian society (GVS3 - 3.1, 3.3); and


4. explain the relevance of knowledge of Australian society for real world professional practice (GVS4 - 4.1, 4.5).

Learning outcomes link to:
AASW Education and Accreditation Standards: 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 4.1.5, 4.2.1
AASW Practice Standards for Social Workers: 1.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.6, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4
AIWCW Competencies: 1.2, 1.6, 2.4, 7.1, 7.2, 7.4

Content

This unit will provide a fundamental understanding of Australian society and contribute to the development of relevant professional knowledge and critical analytical thinking. Topics include:

1. Australia you're standing in it - a demographic snapshot


2. We were here first - Indigenous lament


3. You, me and others - contested view of Australian identity


4. Growing up - families are not the same


5. Class and status - egalitarianism fact or fiction


6. Rich and poor - where did all the money go


7. Health and sickness - health care Australia


8. Advantage and disadvantage - education Australia


9. Working Australia - prepare for many jobs if you can get one


10. Power and politics - democracy real or illusion


11. Globalisation - we are not alone


12. Australian media - don't watch commercial TV for news


13. Advance Australia - fair or unfair

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will be offered on campus in a two hour lecture block with one hour tutorials. Lectures will be supported with Podcasts, a Q&A Blackboard Wiki for assessment clarification and Blogs on each topic. Students will be encouraged to maintain a current affairs watch linking lecture material to real world contemporary events. Student learning will be supported primarily through tutorials and the use of on line Blackboard functionalities.

Assessment

The unit consists of two assessment items, the first will involve a series of online quizzes that students will complete during the course of the semester and the second is a 2,000 word written assignment.Assessment 1 is formative and summative. Generic feedback and support will be provided by a unit Wiki. Students will be able to undertake one practice sample test in week 2.
Assessment 2 is summative. Generic feedback and support will be provided by a unit Wiki.

Assessment name: Quiz Tests
Description: Students are required to complete four on-line tests using the quiz test function on Blackboard. The quiz tests will focus on all material covered during the semester. Each quiz is worth 15%, with a total weighting of 60% for this assessment item.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 4, 7, 10, 13

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Students are required to write one 2000 word paper which describes, analyses and critiques one topic drawn from the lecture material.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, and 4
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

Pietsh, J., Graetz, B. & McAllister, I. (2010). Dimensions of Australian society. Palgrave, Macmillan.

Germov, J., & Poole, M (Ed.). (2011). Public Sociology: An Introduction to Australian Society. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

Students will have access to material on Blackboard including a weekly current affairs watch.

Risk assessment statement

There are no particular 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: 15-Nov-2012