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Contemporary Social Problems (SOCI90004)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
April
Overview
Availability | April |
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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: 30 October 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Sociology at Undergraduate level
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 30 October 2023
Assessment
Additional details
- A literature review of 1000 words (20%) due during the teaching period.
- A research essay of 4000 words (80%) due during the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 30 October 2023
Dates & times
- April
Principal coordinator Max Holleran Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 24 contact hours: 2 x 2 hour of seminars per week in Weeks 7 - 12 of Semester 1. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 16 April 2018 to 25 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 24 April 2018 Census date 4 May 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 1 June 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 April contact information
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 30 October 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Reading material will be made available online via the subject's LMS site.
- Subject notes
SOCI90004 Contemporary Social Problems is a compulsory subject in the Master of Social Policy.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation 200 Point Master of Social Policy Specialisation (formal) Sociology Specialisation (formal) Sociology Informal specialisation 150 Point Master of Social Policy Specialisation (formal) Graduate Certificate in Arts - Sociology Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced) - Sociology Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Sociology Specialisation (formal) Sociology Major Tailored Specialisation Major Governance, Policy and Markets Major Governance, Policy and Markets Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma of Arts (Advanced) - Sociology Informal specialisation Sociology Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation Informal specialisation 100 Point Master of Social Policy - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
Last updated: 30 October 2023