166-111 Australian Society

Formerly available as 166-003. Students who have completed 166-003 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Formerly available as 166-103. Students who have completed 166-103 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

An introduction to the study of inequalities, which invites students to think critically about the nature and significance of social divisions. With Australian society as its focus, the subject examines the major dimensions of inequality, notably class, gender, race or ethnicity, and sexuality. It studies the principal ways in which inequality is experienced in the workplace and in the labour market, in the family, in local communities, in the health care system, in the housing market, in the education system, in systems of welfare and in the criminal justice system.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate written and oral knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

An essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.

• D Holmes et al, Australian Sociology. 2003.