SOC308 Community Analysis (8)

The subject looks at community as a means of addressing social, environmental and economic problems in a globalising world which is seeing a strong social and political push for action to be taken by local communities. Starting from the perspectives of local professionals and active citizens, the subject applies sociological tools to community capacity in terms of social capital, interaction, organization, inequality, conflict and power relationships both within and beyond the community. We conclude by looking at the implications of globalisation and cultural change for local communities.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus
Session 3 (90)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: SOC308. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Not for students who have successfully completed SOC3033 or SOC-3084

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to understand sociological ways of describing and investigating communities
  • be able to understand some of the sociological theories that have been developed to help us understand the variety of forms of community we have in our society
  • be able to explain sociological research about communities clearly in writing
  • be able to think critically about community
  • be able to apply sociological theory and concepts to real world cases of issues that occur in communities

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Part 1 - Introduction:
  • - Topic 1: Introduction to community analysis, questions the definition of community and what constitutes a community.
  • - Topic 2: Methodologies in community analysis, examines ways in which communities have been examined using quantitative and qualitative research strategies.
  • Part 2 - Sociological Theory of Community:
  • - Topic 3, Government and governance.
  • - Topic 4, Inequality and the paradox of community.
  • - Topic 5, Communion and cohesion.
  • - Topic 6, Social capital.
  • - Topic 7, Community participation and social change.
  • - Topic 8, Growth machines and economic development.
  • Part 3 - Case Studies and application of theory:
  • - Topic 9, Rural communities.
  • - Topic 10, Environment and communities.
  • - Topic 11, Work in and for communities.
  • - Topic 12, Virtual community - the influence of technology and the online age.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of SOC308 in Session 3 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Short essays: community understanding & issues
50
2
Critical research essay
50

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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