GSSA 2100 - Consumption, Work and the Self

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

The contemporary focus on the individual as distinct from society is one of the hallmarks of post-industrial western societies. The ways in which young people are increasingly invited to imagine and construct their identity through consumption as opposed to other aspects of the self, such as work, community relations or ethical beliefs is a particular concern of the course. This is an applied course which examines new and emerging theories, practices and experiences of consumption, work and identity and how they relate to current debates around citizenship in the broader context. Students will focus on examples drawn from advertising and the rhetoric of capitalism, personal self-presentation and development, lifestyle marketing, financial aspirations, regulation of work, the music industry and urban living. Students will be required to undertake a textual or discourse analysis as part of the applied component of the course. They will also be required to undertake a critical reflection of their own experiences of work and consumption.

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Course Details

Course Code	GSSA 2100
Course	Consumption, Work and the Self
Coordinating Unit	Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
Term	Semester 1
Level	Undergraduate
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Prerequisites	12 units of Level I study
Incompatible	GWSI 2002, GWSI 3002, GWSI 2100, GWSI 2100EX
Assessment	2000 word critical reflection (50%), 1000 word research exercise (30%), class participation and exercises, 600 words (20%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Dr Dee Michell

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

On the successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Recognise key interdisciplinary theorists, concepts, debates and social research methods used to explore ideas and practices around consumption, work and identity
Locate, analyse and critique academic literature in relation to consumption and work
Evaluate media representations of consumption and work in relation to academic literature
Work collaboratively in small groups to examine and appraise contemporary consumption and work practices
Plan and conduct a research project
Write logical, sustained and coherent arguments based on evidence and considering a range of socio-cultural perspectives

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised.	1,2
The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner.	2,3
An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems.	3,4
Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication.	4,6
A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies.	2,5
A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life.	3,5,6
A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community.	6
An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities.	5,6

Learning Resources

Required Resources

A Course Reader will be available to purchase from the Image & Copy Centre, Level 1, Hughes Blg. The Course Reader will also be made available electronically via MyUni.

Recommended Resources

A variety of resources to assist in Asssignment preparation will be made available via MyUni throughout the semester.

Online Learning

All course related material will be available via MyUni.

Learning & Teaching Modes

Throughout the semester students will be required to attend a 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial each week. These will not be conventional lectures however, as students will be invited to participate in small group discussions and structured activities designed to consolidate concepts and employ critical thinking skills.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

1 x 2 hour lecture each week (x 12)	24 hours
1 x 1 hour tutorial each week (x 11)	11 hours
1 x 2 hour Weekly reading & tutorial preparation (x 10)	40 hours
Assignment Preparation	40 hours
Total:	115 hours

Learning Activities Summary

Week	Learning Activity
1	Introduction & Orientation
2	Identity, Subjectivity, Performativity
3	Learning to Consume
4	Cultural Omnivores
5	Beauty Culture
6	Dressing for Work
7	Examining Workplaces
8	Invisible work
9	Femininity, Masculinity & the Mining Boom
10	Sustainability
11	Disorderly Conduct
12	To be advised

Specific Course Requirements

Not applicable

Small Group Discovery Experience

Two hours lecture time each week has been allocated for this course. These will not be conventional lectures however, as students will be invited to participate in small group discussions and structured activities designed to consolidate concepts and employ critical thinking skills. In addition, weekly tutorial discussions will be interactive and collaborative opportunities to further explore key ideas and relevant contemporary reearch.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Due Date	Weight	Learning Objectives
Assignment 1: 1000 word research exercise	Week 6	30%
Assignment 2: 2000 word critical reflection	Week 12	50%
Assignment 3: class participation & exercises	Ongoing	20%

Assessment Related Requirements

Students are required to complete all assessment tasks to be eligible to pass this course.

Assessment Detail

Assignment 1: Research Exercise

This assignment will require students to locate and gather evidence from a variety of sources, for example, current television series, print and online media articles, academic literature, reputable sources of statistical information & lecture material. Further instructions will be available on MyUni.

Assignment 2: Critical Reflection

This assignment will require students to critically evaluate contemporary consumer society from their perspective as individuals, consumers, and workers. Evidence will need to be sourced from lectures, academic literature (including that provided in the Reader), and other reputable sources. Further instructions will be available on MyUni.

Assignment 3: Class Participation

Assessment for this assignment will include attendance and engagement with weekly reading and structured activities.

Submission

Assignments are to be submitted online via MyUni.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator