Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This UWA unit examines the main theoretical perspectives that have been applied to studies of Australian society. An important objective is to provide students with the conceptual tools required for developing a critical understanding of major characteristics of Australian society, and subsequently promoting cross-cultural understanding. Particular attention is paid to issues relating to settlement and the impact on the original people of the land. Topics covered include Australian national identity, indigenous Australia, migration, gender relations, social inequality and stratification, ecology and the rural-urban divide.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in anthropology and sociology as applied to Australian society, including cultural diversity, social inequality, the nature of social relationships and institutions, systems of symbolic meaning, and processes that underpin social and cultural change; (2) demonstrate knowledge of sociological and anthropological studies of Australia in historical context and with attention to contemporary issues; (3) demonstrate an ability to critically review, analyse, sumarise and synthesise anthropological and sociological research and theory; use statistical data on Australian society; and be able to critique portrayals of Australian social life that appear in media and other public sources; (4) demonstrate an ability to formulate, investigate and discuss anthropologically and sociologically informed research questions and develop arguments based on a critical evaluation of evidence

; and (5) demonstrate an ability to communicate anthropological and sociological ideas, principles and knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences using a range of formats (written, oral, visual etc.).

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) presentation; and (3) essay. 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)
TBA
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
a UWA College course
  • 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.