1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

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Objedives and Content
The studv of deviant behaviour and social control raises
questions about the nature of social order and the use of
knowledge and power by some groups in society to
reinforce their positions of dominance and control.
This subject deals with persons and actions defined as
socially unacceptable and the attempts to control, reform or
eliminate them. The first part of the subject examines the
contributions a variety of sociological perspectives have
made to the understanding of deviant behaviour and the
social responses it evokes. Three main forms of control the
criminal justice system, the medical, psychiatric, or
therapeutic system and the welfare system will be analysed
in the second section of the course. Finally, the ways in
which a sociological approach can inform policy and
practice in a number of specific social problem areas such as
child abuse, corporate crime, domestic violence and AIDS
will be identified.
Recommended reading
Anleu, S. Deviance, Conformity and Control. Melbourne, Longman
Cheshire, 1991
Edwards, A. Regulation and Representation, Sydney, Allen &
Unwin, 1995
AS206 Sex and Gender in Society
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: AS1 00 and
either AS101 or AP116 for students majoring in Australian
studies Assessment: one essay and an examination
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
Sex and Gender in Society examines the ways in which the
biological differences between men and women are socially
structured to produce gender differences within and between
societies. It analyses arguments about male-female
differences, gender identity and sexual identity.
The course examines key social institutions and practices,
including work, family, sexuality, and violence. There is a
focus upon recent developments and controversies,
including sexual harassment, sex change operations,
pornography, body image and the men's movement. The
course concentrates upon gender relations in Australian
society, but makes regular comparisons with gender
relations in other societies.
Recommended reading
& Grieve, N. and Burns, A. (Eds) Australian Women: Contemporary
g Feminist Bought, Melbourne, Oxford Unviersity Press, 1994.
Zf
Hughes, K.P. ed., Contemporary Australian Feminism, Melbourne,
iji Longman Cheshire, 1994
AS300 Urban Sociology
3 houw per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: two stage two
sociology subjects Assessment: tests, class exercises, and an
essay
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objedives and Content
Patterns of urban work and leisure are being transformed, as
are the spatial and temporal relationships within and
between cities. Old industries such as those centred around
mass production are being replaced by new ones centred
around tourism, information technology, financial services
and the production of the modern spectacle (like grand prix
car races, casinos, and the like). Cities are being
differentiated globally. They are also being fragmented
internally by deep and enduring inequalities in access to
resources such as housing.
Urban sociology examines these trends. It locates them in a
broader theoretical debate about the role of cities. Emphasis
is given to the policy implications of these changes and the
difficulties governments face solving urban problems in
cities that are increasingly 'going global'.
Recommended reading
Savage, M. and Warde, A., Urban Sociology, Capitalism and
Modernity, London, Macmillan, 1993
AS302 Sociology of Organisations
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: for students
majoring in Sociology, two stage two sociology subjects
Assessment: one essay and an examination
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Obiedives and Content
The twentieth century is the age of the large organisation. In
particular, it is distinguished by the emergence of giant
multi-divisional corporations, often impersonally owned and
bureaucratically managed, and global in their operations.
Sociology of Organisations examines first the major
explanations of large organisational structures. It then
considers aspects of organisations, including organisational
culture, gender patterns, corporate networks and power.
Finally, the course addresses organisational restructuring,
the emergence of new corporate forms and the resurgence of
small businesses in the late twentieth century.
The course uses case studies such as BHP, General Motors
and McDonalds to illustrate theoretical arguments, and
compares Australian organisational patterns with those of
other societies.
Recommended reading
Ritzer, G., The McDonaldization of Society, Newbury Park, Pine
Forge Press, 1993
Thompson, P. and McHugh, D. Work Organisations: A Critical
Introduction, 2nd edn, Houndsmills, McMillan, 1995
AS303 Current Issues in Sociology
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: for students
majoring in sociology, two stage two sociology subjects
Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Obiectives and Content
The subject matter of AS303 changes on a year to year basis
depending on what issues are considered relevant and
interesting to students. Typical issues include environment,
health and gender. Irrespective of the issue, key concepts
and theories drawn from sociology will be used to inform
students' understanding.