50140 Comparative Social Change

The aim of this subject is to provide students with an understanding of the processes of modernisation and social change in a comparative context using case studies in countries of Western Europe, Latin America, East and South-East Asia. The lectures highlight a number of key issues, e.g. whether the processes of social change are universal or specific; the consequences of modernisation in and for the economy, politics, society, culture and ideology of non-Western societies and whether the established Eurocentric analytical models are still useful in understanding the modern world. It emphasises that differing interpretations of modernisation flow from various relations of power which lead to a multiplicity of views on its meanings and significance.

We can't simply 'discover' how social change happens, develop a theory, and solve the social problems that face us. There are many models of social change and no agreement about which model is best. There is intense disagreement between advocates of the different approaches to understanding social change and indeed whether there can be a common approach. This subject introduces students to these disagreements. It aims to question our assumptions and raise as many questions as it answers. It is a 'question posing' subject, designed to stimulate debate and inspire critical social inquiry.

The overall assumption is that knowledge is contingent; we need to evaluate all interpretations in terms of where and when they are produced. Knowledge is seen as a product of particular circumstances, or specific historical legacies. The subject focuses on a variety of conflicting interpretations of the process of social change and modernisation. These interpretations, whether celebratory or critical, gain broad acceptance as a result of the wider social and historical contexts in which they are embedded, as much as from any claim they might make to objectivity. Our task is to understand these contexts, and to shed light on the claims that are made.

Assessment: In order to pass, students need to fulfil the following criteria: attendance (lectures and seminars) – compulsory; logon to UTSOnline – compulsory; two seminar facilitations and one facilitation report (10 per cent each totalling 30 per cent); review of weeks 2–6 (2,000 words) (30 per cent); essay outline – compulsory; research essay (2,500 words) (40 per cent); discussion of learning outcomes – compulsory.

Discussion of learning outcomes (Week 14) – compulsory: In tutorials in Week 1 each student completes an outline of their expectations and hopes for the subject. In the last tutorial the tutor hands these back to students asking them to reflect on what they achieved in the subject, what expectations were not realised, what unexpected avenues emerged. Each group then discusses their learning outcomes in terms of what issues they found most relevant and interesting in the subject.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus
Autumn semester, Kuring-gai campus