Unit Overview
- Description
Social movements play a central role in defining the form and function of political institutions, and why and how they change. From nationalist movements in the 19th and 20th centuries to the movements of the 1960s, where people organised in support of civil rights, gay rights, feminism, peace, and the environment, social movements have played a fundamental role in shaping the architecture of political institutions. More recently, new technologies have furthered cross-border organisation and intensified the global context of extra-institutional politics. This unit examines how and why people participate in politics through social movements; the relationship between rule-making and rule-breaking; and the role of advocacy in shaping why and how political institutions change. This unit will equip students with skills essential for work in advocacy organisations. Through a series of seminars with academics and practitioners, students will develop a novel research proposal, acquire the skills necessary to conduct independent research on an advocacy issue, and produce a final report on their chosen issue. Students will also consider a range of methodological and ethical issues concerning advocacy scholarship and communication.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) On-campus -
The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.
- Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 core unit in the Human Rights; Social and Environmental Sustainability major sequences
- Level 3 option in the Political Science and International Relations; Gender Studies major sequences
- Level 3 option in the 3 Option Units specialisation in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics major sequence
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate a detailed understanding of the characteristics of social movements and the role of advocacy in shaping political institutions; (2) critically evaluate key ideas, debates and approaches to understanding social movements and advocacy; (3) consider and analyse a range of primary and secondary sources in students' areas of interest; (4) design an advocacy research project consistent with appropriate methodological and ethical practices; and (5) develop research and communication skills essential to working in the field.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) seminar participation; (2) research proposal presentation; and (3) research project. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Kelly Gerard and Dr Ky Gentry
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- up to 3 hours per week
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.