Course Title: Self and Society

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Self and Society

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

HUSO1174

City Campus

Undergraduate

330H Social Science & Planning

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2006

HUSO1174

City Campus

Undergraduate

365H Global, Urban and Social Studies

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 1 2013,
Sem 1 2014,
Sem 1 2015,
Sem 1 2016

Course Coordinator: Belinda Johnson

Course Coordinator Phone: +(61 3) 9925 8280

Course Coordinator Email: belinda.johnson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 8, Level 10

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

Self and Society examines the ways in which people shape, and are shaped by, the world around them. In this course you will examine questions such as: Are we ‘born’ the way we are or are we ‘made’ the way we are? How and why do human beings grow and change over the course of their lives? What factors shape and determine their life chances? In order to answer these questions we will draw on a range of social science theories which can be used to increase understanding of human development and of the dynamics between the individual and the society of which they are a part. The course requires you to develop analytical skills in examining these theories and to apply them to an understanding of a range of social issues which confront individuals in contemporary society. It is particularly relevant to those working in the human services such as social work practitioners, teachers, educators, community workers and others.
 


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Describe and explain the purpose of theory in the social sciences
  • Identify the key factors and processes involved and impacting on human development across the life course development
  • Distinguish between developmental theories and social theories in describing the relationship between self and society
  • Compare and critically evaluate key social and developmental theories discussed in the course
  • Explain and apply various theoretical approaches and associated concepts in exploring the relationship between the individual (self) and society
     



Overview of Learning Activities

You will be engaged in learning that involves a range of activities both face to face and online activities including lectures, tutorials, group and class discussion, participation in a variety of audio, visual and interactive reflections, small group activities and presentations.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems. A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own.
 


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. Assessment tasks may include, but are not limited to, tutorial presentations, analysis of interview, written analysis of a biography, totalling no more than 4,000 words. Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice. Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

  • If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
  • A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
  • Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academic#assessment