58122 Introduction to Social Inquiry

Handbook description

How do we understand the structure and changing nature of the social world? This subject provides an introduction to key ideas in social and political thought which enable the critical interpretation of social life. It focuses on concepts such as gender, race and social class, and explores how they can be applied to understand society and the life-paths of individual social actors. As a core activity of the subject, students undertake their own empirical biographic or 'life-story' analysis as a vehicle through which to begin to develop their social research skills and to concretely explore the ways the social structures explored shape the possibilities of individual agency.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the completion of this subject, students are expected to be able to:

1. explain key concepts of the social sciences
2. appreciate different standpoints, viewpoints and frameworks for understanding the social world
3. analyse their own beliefs, assumptions and expectations
4. collaborate to organise and present information
5. critically apply theory and mobilise empirical data for social analysis.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject makes a major contribution to the students' capacity to think analytically, using concepts of the social sciences, and to apply their knowledge and skills in social research. It makes a minor contribution to their capacity to respect the plurality of perspectives that inform social understanding, to communicate effectively, and to work collaboratively.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject consists of a weekly lecture and tutorial. Core texts are reproduced in a subject reader; additional resources are available online and in the UTS library. The lectures engage students with key concepts and methods while in the tutorials students evaluate theoretical claims through discussion and analysis of student projects. Tutorials involve students in a variety of activities, including individual and group presentations, discussion groups and formal debates. Online debates support and extend these tutorial activities.

Content

The subject comprises two main parts: Part 1 introduces students to some of the key concepts in the social sciences, including gender, race, and social class. In Part 2 students learn about conducting social research through biography, in which researchers analyse an individual's life path. Students each conduct a biographical interview and analyse transcripts using the concepts introduced in Part 1

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Weekly Tasks

Assessment item 2: Individual interview analysis

Minimum requirements

Attendance is essential in this subject. Classes are based on a collaborative approach which involves workshopping and interchange of ideas. Students are required to attend a minimum of 10 classes.