Bachelor of Social Science
Townsville, Cairns
The Bachelor of Social Science degree provides students with an opportunity to complete a coherent course of study specialising in at least one discipline or area of knowledge. They are also able to combine study in several areas to obtain unique combinations of skills and background knowledge for maximum flexibility in preparation for the workforce. Students may complete a major in a single discipline, in two disciplines (a double major) or an interdisciplinary major which combines specified study in two or more areas of knowledge.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science are equipped to critically analyse information and conduct research that can assist in solving problems of significance to society at the local, national or international level. They have a sound knowledge of cross-cultural diversity and the ability to communicate effectively in oral or written form to a range of audiences. They have the skills to find information using a variety of media, to identify and make relevant contacts in industry, government and academia and the ability to work in a team environment. They have achieved a coherent body of knowledge in at least one discipline area along with the skills to define and solve problems in that area. Throughout their study they have had the opportunity to consider a range of social, cultural and political perspectives and to be guided in the ethical practices of at least one field of social science. They are, by virtue of their chosen fields of study, concerned about social issues and interested in participating in society as well informed and critical thinkers with a commitment to lifelong learning and social and personal development.
Majors within the Bachelor of Social Science degree
While the Bachelor of Social Science degree is characterised by its diversity and flexibility, students wishing to specialise in a particular discipline should refer to the recommended majors listed below and those under the Bachelor of Arts program beginning on page 264.
Anthropology
LEVEL 1
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN1001:03 | Anthropology 1A: Discovering Anthropology (Sem 1) |
| AN1002:03 | Anthropology 1B: Australia and Regional Culture (Sem 2) |
| One of | |
| AR1001:03 | The World of Archaeology (Sem 1) |
| AR1002:03 | Archaeology: Methods and Approaches (Sem 2) |
| One of | |
| AN1003:03 | Anthropology in Practice (Sem 1) |
| PY1101:03 | Exploring Psychology 1 (Sem 1) |
| SY1001:03 | Introduction to Sociology(Sem 1) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 2
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN2001:04 | Key Debates in Anthropology (Sem 1 Townsville; Sem 2 Cairns) |
| AN2012:04 | Anthropological Research Techniques (Sem 1 Cairns; Sem 2 Townsville) |
| At least four additional units of level 2 Anthropology subjects | |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 3
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN3003:04 | Anthropology in Australia and the Pacific (Sem 1) |
| AN3005:04 | Culture, Politics and Economics (Sem 2) |
| At least eight additional units of level 3 Anthropology subjects | |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 4 (Honours students only)
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AN4001:24 | Anthropology Honours 4 |
| or | |
| AN4002:12 | Combined Honours (Anthropology) |
Archaeology
LEVEL 1
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AR1001:03 | The World of Archaeology (Sem 1) |
| AR1002:03 | Archaeology: Methods and Approaches (Sem 2) |
| One of | |
| AN1001:03 | Anthropology 1A: Discovering Anthropology (Sem 1) |
| AN1002:03 | Anthropology 1B: Australia and Regional Culture (Sem 2) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 2
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AR2201:04 | Principles of Archaeological Investigation (Sem 1) |
| AR2202:04 | Archaeology Field School (July) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| At least 4 additional units of level 2 Archaeology subjects. Other subjects chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 3
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| At least one of | |
| AR3201:04 | Archaeological Analysis and Interpretation (Townsville only) |
| AR3202:04 | Critical Issues in Archaeology (Townsville only) |
| At least four additional units of level 3 Archaeology subjects | |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 4 (Honours students only)
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| AR4001:24 | Archaeology Honours 4 (Townsville only) |
| or | |
| AR4002:12 | Combined Honours (Archaeology) (Townsville only) |
Psychology
Refer to the Bachelor of Psychology program on page 283 for the APS accredited major of study.
Sociology
LEVEL 1
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| SY1001:03 | Introduction to Sociology (Sem 1) |
| SY1002:03 | Australian Society (Sem 2) |
| ELECTIVES | |
| AN1001:03 | Anthropology 1A: Discovering Anthropology (Sem 1) |
| PY1101:03 | Exploring Psychology 1 (Sem 1) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 2
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| SS2011:04 | Fundamentals of Social Research Methods (Sem 1) |
| SY2021:04 | The Transformation of Modern Societies (Sem 1) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 3
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| SS3023:04 | Qualitative Methods (Sem 2) |
| SY3020:04 | Self and Identity in Contemporary Society (Sem 2) |
| SY3023:04 | Contested Knowledge Development of Social Theory (Sem 2) (not offered in 2002) |
| At least eight units of level 3 Sociology subjects. | |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 4 (Honours students only)
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| SY4005:12 | Sociology Honours Thesis |
| or | |
| SY4015:12 | Sociology Honours Thesis (Part-time) |
| Plus | |
| SY4006:04 | Directed Readings in Sociology |
| or | |
| SY4016:04 | Directed Readings in Sociology (Part-time) |
| Plus | |
| SY4007:04 | Research Design in Sociology |
| SY4008:04 | Contemporary Sociological Analysis |
Welfare Studies
LEVEL 1
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| WS1001:03 | Introduction to Social Policy (Sem 1) |
| WS1003:03 | Issues in Social Policy (Sem 2) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 2
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| WS2012:03 | Human Rights and Social Justice (Sem 1) |
| WS2020:04 | Working Across Cultures (Sem 2) |
| Plus at least one of: | |
| WS2014:04 | Community and Organisational Practice (Sem 2) |
| or | |
| WS2019:06 | Practice for Social Justice: Skills and Ethics (Sem 1) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 3
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| WS3011:03 | Politics of Community Work (Sem 1) |
| WS3012:03 | Managing Community Organisations (Sem 2) |
| WS3013:03 | Community Practice (Sem 1) |
| WS3014:03 | Socio-environmentalism and Community Work (Sem 2) |
| ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS | |
| Additional units may be chosen from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science. | |
LEVEL 4 (Honours students only)
| CORE SUBJECTS | |
| WS4003:12 | Community Welfare Honours Literature Review and Proposal |
| WS4004:12 | Community Welfare Honours Thesis |
It is emphasised that the specific majors are identified primarily to provide guidance for students. Students considering BSocSc Honours are advised to enrol in a specific major in the Honours discipline (or, in the case of combined Honours, in two disciplines).
Majors – Townsville campus
Anthropology; Archaeology; Asia-Pacific Community Development; Cultural Heritage Studies*; Economics; Environment Studies; Geography; History; Indigenous Australian Studies; International Studies*; Policy Studies; Political Science; Psychology; Social Policy; Sociology; Welfare Studies.
* Indicates interdisciplinary major
Majors – Cairns campus
Anthropology; Archaeology; Asia-Pacific Community Development; Environmental Studies; Geography; History; Political Science; Psychology; Social Policy; Sociology; Welfare Studies.