SY2026:04
Social Analysis in North Queensland
Townsville, Cairns
Prerequisites: SS2011 or SS3011
Inadmissable Subject Combination: SY3026
24 hours workshops, 24 hours other. Second semester.
Staff: Dr J Elder and other Sociology staff.
This subject is built around the practical investigation of topical social issues arising in the North Queensland region. The topics will vary from year to year, but may include the social impact of ecological or technological change, social responses to climate or isolation, decline and diversification of rural industries or tourism and development. Specific social problems relating to families, women, youth, cultural identity, prejudice and racism may be a focus. Students will work in groups exploring appropriate literatures, gathering data and developing frameworks for the analysis of issues in workshops. Students will be taught to analyse statistical data, policy documents and material from newspapers and other media; to develop schedules for interviews and surveys as required; to work off-campus under direction, when necessary and to cooperate in the writing of a joint research report.
Learning Objectives:
- appreciate the unity of conceptual analysis and applied research;
- understand the relevance of sociological analysis to contemporary local problems;
- develop practical skills in social analysis;
- develop high-level report writing skills;
- develop skills in collaborative research;
- develop skills required for honours and graduate research in applied areas.
Assessment by theoretical seminar paper (20%); bibliography and literature review (20%); workshop participation and contributions to investigation (20%); contribution to writing of research report (40%).