50120 Introduction to Social Inquiry

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Social Inquiry
Credit points: 6 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Handbook description

This subject introduces students to the variety of ways of seeing social worlds. By recognising the limits they may have in 'seeing' the world, they can explore other possible points of view and ways of seeing. Understanding the different ways in which people order and analyse experiences is the basis for this first professional subject. Students are encouraged to explore and explain societies and to question their own experiences and their abilities to observe, sort and organise what they see; including gender differences, indigenous and other non-European perspectives.

This is the beginning of a sequence of professional subjects which is designed to enhance students' capacity to apply knowledge in particular occupations. Whether students' interests are in working in the community, business or public sphere, whether as policy makers, researchers, advocates, reporters, administrators, publicists, marketers, advisors, producers, or any other areas dealing with human interactions, the capacity to find out and to inquire into issues is valuable.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:

Understand that there are differing ways of seeing, classifying, recording, communicating and explaining social lives.
Appreciate different standpoints, viewpoints and lenses.
Analyse their own beliefs, assumptions and expectations
Reflect on the multiple dimensions and effects of social difference and inequality

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject is designed to provide a graduate with

a broad range of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in social inquiry, research and advocacy
awareness and knowledge to critically analyse social, political and cultural phenomena across time and space in local, national, regional and global contexts
sensitivity to the multiple dimensions of social difference and inequality especially in terms of race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class, sexuality, disability and age

Teaching and learning strategies

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to articulate ways of seeing and analysing social, cultural and political life. This subject is designed to prepare students for further theoretical work and to develop an understanding of the theoretical tools required for critical practise in analysing and deconstructing social, political and cultural frameworks. Students are expected to analyse print media, popular culture and other forms of cultural practices by observing and recording aspects of daily life. These observations will be presented both orally and in writing.

Content

This is the beginning of a sequence of professional subjects which are designed to enhance your capacities to apply your knowledge in particular occupations. Whether you are interested in working in the community, business or public sphere, whether as a policy maker, researcher, advocate, reporter, administrator, publicist, marketer, advisor, producer, or any other area dealing with human interactions, the capacity to find out, to inquire into issues will stand you in good stead.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Weekly Tasks

Objectives	This is designed to help achieve all of the subject's objectives.
Value	40%
Due	Weekly – you must post your response on UTS Online within one week of class. At the end of the semester, you need to print out your 5 best responses to submit to your tutor in Week 13.
Word Limit	Maximum of 500 words per week
Task	Complete the weekly task questions. This assignment is designed for students to think about the issues raised in the lecture and the tutorials. It is also to give you opportunities to analyse and interpret the social space around you. (Optional: comment on other students' responses on UTS Online).

Assessment criteria	Clear answering of all set questions Well-structured answers Clear and succinct expression

Assessment item 2: Class Presentation

Objectives	This is designed to help achieve all of the subject's objectives.
Value	20%
Due	weeks to be allocated
Task	Working in groups, students must critically analyse the readings for their nominated week, and make a presentation to the class. The structure of the presentation is up to the group. You may use overheads, video, PowerPoint, etc. If you are absent in the week of your presentation you will be expected to write up your presentation in 500 words and submit this to your tutor the following week, or you may present with a group on another week. Please clear this with your tutor.

Assessment criteria	Critical engagement with lecture and reading material Demonstrated ability to work as a team member Demonstrated ability to express ideas verbally

Assessment item 3: Participant Observation Report

Objectives	This is designed to help achieve objectives c & d
Value	40%
Due	Week 14
Word Limit	1,500 words
Task	Choose an event or an occasion that you can both participate in and observe. This could be: a social event, e.g. a party, dinner with family or friends a cultural event, e.g. a concert, an art exhibition, a religious ceremony a political event, e.g. a protest, a meeting a sporting event, e.g. a football game, Saturday netball, a dog race, NASCAR trials, polo practice an institutional event, e.g. a court hearings, a session of parliament, pension day at Centrelink another event of your choosing – use your imagination! Write a participant observation report analysing what this event tells us about the society we live in.

Assessment criteria	Critical engagement with key conceptual themes and analytical categories of the subject – analysis as well as description Well-structured report Clear and succinct expression Appropriate referencing

Minimum requirements

Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.

Indicative references

All required readings for this subject are available in the reader (a copy of which is held in the UTS library). Further readings are in the library or online.