GSSA 1001EX - Social Sciences in Australia

External - Semester 1 - 2015

The social sciences are a group of disciplines which seek to understand the structure of society. Together they offer a range of approaches to investigating social problems and the dynamics of social change. This introductory course provides an overview of the ways that different social science disciplines contribute to an understanding of Australian society. The course utilises certain case studies of topical issues in contemporary Australia to introduce key concepts of: class/socioeconomic status, gender, youth, ethnicity, family, work, consumption and location as structuring aspects of society.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GSSA 1001EX
    Course Social Sciences in Australia
    Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s External
    Units 3
    Contact online
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible GWSI 1001, GWSI 1001EX
    Course Description The social sciences are a group of disciplines which seek to understand the structure of society. Together they offer a range of approaches to investigating social problems and the dynamics of social change. This introductory course provides an overview of the ways that different social science disciplines contribute to an understanding of Australian society. The course utilises certain case studies of topical issues in contemporary Australia to introduce key concepts of: class/socioeconomic status, gender, youth, ethnicity, family, work, consumption and location as structuring aspects of society.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Dee Michell

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Understand the role the social sciences play in critical discussions relating to Australian society specifically and more broadly on a global scale;

    2. Identitfy the characteristics of social science research, critical reading and analytical reading;

    3. Be able to locate, access and evaluate a range of resources available to support critical research and writing;

    4. Demonstrate a critical approach to ethical issues in the context of public discourses about contemporary issues and debates;

    5. Be able to confidently engage with unfamiliar texts;

    6. Be able to prepare and deliver coherent and logically argued written texts;

    7. Demonstrate productive and respectful engagement with their peers in group work.

    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. 3,4,5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2,34,6
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 7
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2,3,5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 4
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1,4
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The Social Sciences in Australia can be purchased at Image and Copy Centre
    Online Learning
    Additional resources will be made available through Myuni
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Students are required to listen to the weekly recorded lecture on Myuni and participate in Discussion Board also available on Myuni.
    Workload

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

    1 x 2-hour lectuer (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester
    1 x 1-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester
    6 hours reading per week 72 hours per semester
    2 hours research per week 24 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    The following topics will be covered in a weekly format
    Introduction to the course
    Youth
    Gender
    Consumption
    Australian cultures
    Whiteness/reconciliation
    Work and family
    Australian cultures
    Ethnicity and immigration
    Where to from here
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    The online Discussion Board provides an opportunity to put into practice new knowledge and skills in fun and meaningful ways. 
  • Assessment

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

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

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Online discussion board Formative and Summative 25% 1-7
    500 word short critical assignment Formative and Summative 15% 1-7
    1800 word essay OR take home exam Formative and Summative 45% 1-7
    600 word take home exam Formative and Summative 15% 1-7
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students are required to complete all assessment activities to be eligible to pass the course.
    Assessment Detail
    Discussion Board attendance and participation 20%
    Small Written assignment 15%
    Essay 50%
    Take home paper 15%
    Submission
    Details for submission of written assignments will be made at the beginning of the semester.
    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
  • 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.