Introduction to Contemporary Society
This unit offers students the role and contribution of the social sciences in understanding and working in contemporary society. The unit provides an introduction to the social sciences, its historical foundations, and its contemporary applications. The unit establishes a foundational framework through which the analysis of contemporary social issues takes place. Introductory topics addressed in the study of this unit include: power and politics; workplace diversity and complexity; ambiguity and change; globalisation; and the environment. These and other relevant topics are explored through comparative sociological perspectives. This comparative analysis aims to provide the student with an appreciation of the role of the social sciences in understanding contemporary society. The unit also aims to provide students with information that will assist in their choice of specialisation within the degree program. The objective is to indicate for the student the contribution that their chosen field of specialisation (or their special area of interest) makes to contemporary society.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe and discuss the theoretical underpinnings of applied social science
- Describe and discuss the role of the social sciences in contemporary society
- Explain the impact of culture on social roles and values
- Explore and discuss contemporary social roles (individuals, groups and organisations)
- Describe the impact of workplace diversity on policy and workplace environments
- Analyse the impact of change in contemporary society
- Discuss the relevance of the social sciences to social/organisational roles (eg. counsellors, managers, coaches)
- Analyse how aspects of contemporary society are manifested in specific practical examples relating to areas of professional practice
Content Areas
- Introduction to the Social Sciences
- Historical Foundations to the Social Sciences
- Social Science Theories and Applications
- The Role of the Social Sciences in Contemporary Society
- Media and Communication in Contemporary Society
- Power and politics in Contemporary Society
- Diversity and Ambiguity in Contemporary Society
- Complexity and Change in Contemporary Society
- Globalisation and the Environment
- Access and Equity in Contemporary Society
- Contemporary Social Issues: Case Study 1
- Contemporary Social Issues: Case Study 2
Unit Duration and Workload
This unit involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery of self directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 54 hours of self-study per unit including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates to 7.5 hours per week for the unit.