ATS1366 · Big ideas for better futures

Overview

It is said we live in a divided world faced with climate change, forced migration, economic upheaval, political polarisation, fake news, and an antibiotic apocalypse on the horizon. These challenges affect different groups unevenly, with dramatic consequences for some. The future is not certain, but can it be ours to shape? How does our imagined future shape the present? What can we learn from social change movements in the past? What kinds of futures do we want, can we imagine, or are even possible? How do we navigate the social world to take action that will make a difference? These are the sorts of questions that drive sociological inquiry. In this unit, we explore how societies in the past have engaged with major challenges, with a view to shedding light on the big ideas behind contemporary social movements in a diverse Australia.

Areas of study: Sociology

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. describe and analyse a range of sociological issues, and identify instances of inequality;
2. apply sociological theories, concepts, and evidence to contemporary global challenges;
3. identify and evaluate tools, mechanisms, and strategies for social change;
4. develop evidence-based arguments that engage with and evaluate relevant research.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.