57062 Social Change

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Social Inquiry
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

The focus of this subject is on theorising and debating collective action and the subject is organised around three theoretical strands in social movement theory: political process models, 'new social movement' post-Marxist approaches, and neo-Marxist interpretations. These three perspectives offer contrasting interpretations of social movements. The subject begins with discussion of definitions, methodologies and historical contexts to help narrow the focus on collective action. This is followed by theoretical debate, outlining the three approaches to understanding social movements. Understanding of the theories is then deepened with analysis of cross-movement themes – questions of globalisation, redistribution/recognition and identification. This leads into discussion of cases, with discussion of movements centred on the state, communities and corporations. The course ends with some discussion of the Australian context.

Subject objectives/outcomes

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

engage in theoretical debates, and to deploy theory to drive presentations and seminar discussions
have a capacity for theoretically-informed research on collective action through in-depth discussion of case studies
conduct research into secondary sources, summarise these sources and lead discussions on them.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject will:

enhance student capacity to evaluate theoretical claims and address strategic questions through in-depth research and analysis
contribute to the development of theoretical knowledge in social inquiry
contribute to the development of critical thinking, analytical skill and research capacity
contribute to the development of ethical behaviour and practice
contribute to an appreciation of the importance of theory in understanding social and political life
contribute to the development of critical understanding of international processes
open up new perspectives on political life, widening horizons, facilitating greater commitment to lifelong learning.

Teaching and learning strategies

Students are offered a series of seminars for discussion and debate. Required readings help to guide these seminars. Students prepare a seminar paper and presentation, comment on each others papers online, and write a research essay.

Content

What produces social change? The question hangs over much of social inquiry, both in theory and practice. This subject surveys contending approaches, evaluating theories, with a view to gleaning conceptual tools and mechanisms for in-depth analysis. The subject evaluates various forces for social change – from institutions to interests, from ideas to feelings. It questions the origins and dynamics of social change in the depths of historical experience. It seeks to develop transformative theory for contemporary contexts, and inspire present-day sociological imagination.

The subject is organised around a number of strands in social change theory, offering contrasting interpretations. The subject begins with discussion of definitions, methodologies and historical contexts, to help narrow the focus. This is followed by several weeks of theoretical debate, outlining a series of distinct theoretical approaches and conceptual tools for understanding social change. Possible fields of inquiry include historical sociology, political sociology, political geography, feminist sociology, international relations, political ecology, political communication. The week-by-week subject outline is available in Week 1.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Online contributions & Essay outline

Objectives	c
Value	10%
Due	Dates allocated in Week 1
Word Limit	250 words
Task	Contributions to online discussions throughout the semester, including responses to facilitation statements, and posting of essay outline by Week 8.
Assessment criteria	Students are expected to demonstrate active engagement with the subject texts, through contributions to online and in-class debates.

Assessment item 2: Seminar presentation

Objectives	c
Value	20%
Due	Date allocated in Week 1
Word Limit	2,000 words (max)
Task	A seminar presentation focusing on a social movement sector or on theoretical debates. Each student in a discussion group chooses a topic to facilitate for Weeks 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 . All students read the readings for each week; the presenter reads additional material and prepares a short paper of up to 2,000 words, with bibliographic details, for e-distribution, presentation and discussion in class. This should be a statement of the key issues in the readings, citing examples, with a set of focus points or questions to provoke discussion and comment about issues arising from the readings. In addition the presentation may draw on information from newspaper articles, magazine articles, academic articles or books; it must contain details of sources. The Presenter posts this paper on UTS Online, and uses it as the basis for class discussion, leadings a debate about the tutorial readings, guided by the tutorial questions, for about half an hour. After presentations from each of the Facilitators for that week, the tutorial moves a general discussion, comparing the papers that have been presented.
Assessment criteria	evidence of having read the set readings carefully and thoughtfully identification of the issues raised salient focus points/questions for discussion.

Assessment item 3: Conference presentation

Objectives	a
Value	20%
Due	Dates allocated in Week 1
Word Limit	2,000 words (max)
Task	A conference presentation of up to 2,000 words using social movement theory in the analysis of a case study. This presentation is to be made at a public conference on social movements. The paper must be submitted at least one week prior to the conference, for publication on the web. Criteria for assessment of seminar facilitation: demonstrated capacity to bring theory and application together; evidence of having read the set readings carefully and thoughtfully; an emphasis on analysis rather than description.
Assessment criteria	demonstrated capacity to bring theory and application together evidence of having read the set readings carefully and thoughtfully an emphasis on analysis rather than description.

Assessment item 4: Research essay

Objectives	b
Value	50%
Due	Week 14
Word Limit	3,000 words (max)
Task	A research essay analysing case studies, evaluating existing and alternative approaches and frameworks for collective action. Students focus on at least one form of collective action to debate some of the theoretical concerns of the course. The essay should be no longer than 3,000 words.
Assessment criteria	As follows (xxxx = most important): outline of theoretical or policy context (xxxx) well-structured analysis and argument (xxxx) evaluation of research findings (xxx) clear definition of objectives and purpose (xx) innovative use of examples and illustrations (xx) original research or insights (xx) evidence of wide reading (xx) clear conclusions (xx) justification and application of methodology (x) effectiveness of expression (x) clarity and consistency of referencing (x).

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

These appear in the detailed Subject Outline which will be handed out in class.