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  3. Contemporary Social Problems

Contemporary Social Problems (SOCI90004)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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This subject focues on social problems in a sociological perspective. The aim of the subject is to give students a good understanding of the social dimension of social problems as well as insights into the social construction and negotiation of social problems. A number of different approaches and ways to see social problems will be introduced to sharpen the awareness of the influence of specific worldviews of our selection, understanding and responses to social problems. On this basis a number of recent social problems and a shift in understanding and dealing with social problems will be discussed.

 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:



  • Have a knowledge of contemporary social problem;
  • Have an ability to use theoretical models to consider social processes at work in contemporary social problems;
  • Have an ability to critically consider the ways social policy constructs our understanding of contemporary social problems.

Generic skills

  • research skills, through the competent use of library and other information sources, and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research.
  • an understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research.
  • critical thinking and analysis skills, through recommended reading, essay writing, and seminar discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument.
  • skills in written and oral communication, time management and planning, and group work, through completion of course requirements.
  • the capacity to think in theoretical terms, through class requirements and engagement with theories and methods of the social sciences.
  • the capacity to think creatively, through course work and course discussion, and by critical analysis of competing arguments.

Last updated: 3 November 2022