GSSA 1001EX - Social Sciences in Australia

External - Semester 1 - 2014

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.

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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
Incompatible	GWSI 1001, GWSI 1001EX
Assessment	500 word short, critical assignment (15%), 1800 word essay (50%), 600 word take home exam(15%), online discussion board (20%)

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Professor Susan Oakley

Course Timetable

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

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 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.

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

Discussion Board attendance and participation 20%
Small Written assignment 15%
Essay 50%
Take home paper 15%

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 .

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鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

The 成人大片 is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The 成人大片 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

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