Related Course/s:

Aims & Objectives:

This unit will introduce students to a range of sociological themes relevant to understanding the lived experiences of young people today. The unit explores a range of themes of both historical and contemporary importance as a means to providing students with the necessary skills to critically engage with ‘youth issues’ in Australia and within other contexts.

In this unit, students will be expected to:

• To define and employ a range of key sociological concepts and theories in the analysis of the social world around them.
• To identify and differentiate between the major theoretical perspectives and research methodologies employed in relation to young people.
• To critically evaluate published work this and deals with young people and to communicate this through informed oral and written argument.
• Identify existing knowledge and skills, and evaluate additional resources/skills required to effectively respond to assessment tasks within the discipline of sociology.

Teaching Methods:

Students are expected to attend one 1 hour lecture and one 2 hour tutorial each week. Students are expected to work independently, and with their peers in tutorials, in developing the skills and knowledge to help them to fulfill the requirements of the unit.

Assessment:

Assessment for this unit will be based on a combination of the following:

• Class work such as work sheets and peer evaluation
• Tutorial presentation
• Tutorial paper
• Essay
• Examination

Assessment will focus on evidence of understanding and the application of key social theories and concepts to issues relevant to the lived experiences of young people today. Students are responsible for ensuring that deadlines are adhered. Deliverables and deadlines will be notified at the commencement of the unit.

Generic Skills Outcomes:

Swinburne University works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Learners bring to Swinburne a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes.

Within this context, this unit of study aims to provide students with the following attributes:

• Are capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
• Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
• Operate effectively and ethically in work and community situations
• Are adaptable and manage change

Content:

As noted above, this unit introduces students to a range of sociological themes relevant to understanding the lived experiences of young people today. The unit explores a range of themes of both historical and contemporary importance as a means to providing students with the necessary skills to critically engage with ‘youth issues’ in Australia and within other contexts.

The themes addressed in this unit may include:

• Transitions and risk
• Class and community
• Gender and sexuality
• Race and ethnicity
• Education
• Work
• Crime and deviance
• Health and wellbeing
• Religion and Spirituality
• Cultures and subcultures
• Leisure and consumption
• Social movements

Reading Materials:

Nilan, P., Julina, R., and Germov, J. (2007), Australian Youth: Social and Cultural Issues, Pearson Education Australia, FrenchsForest.