SOAD8015 Understanding Australian Society

This topic draws on sociology, history and political/social theory to open up concepts around injustice, inequality, social exclusion, disadvantage and discrimination. Students will develop academic skills in applying a sociological imagination and critical thinking capacities.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to social science disciplines including sociology, history and political/social theory in order to expand on social work relevant concepts around injustice, inequality, social exclusion, disadvantage and discrimination
• Encourage students develop and apply a sociological imagination to build a link between individual biographies and historical/social events. Examples will focus on Australian society, with specific focus on the political, cultural, economic and social processes of colonisation and globalisation
• Focus on the development of academic skills in critical thinking

1. Demonstrate critical thinking and articulate their beginning sociological imagination, drawing on interdisciplinary studies in society to analyse central institutions in Australia
2. Explain the nature and significance of social work relevant concepts such as injustice, inequality, social exclusion and disadvantage
3. Build links between studies in society and trends in Australian society related to colonisation and globalisation