1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

At present the focus is on the environment and population.
The course analvses the effects of different forms of social
organisation on the natural environment, concentrating on
the degree to which environmental stress is caused by
population growth and the degree to which it is caused by
inappropriate use of resources. It compares specific
problems in Australia with the global situation.
The subject is organised on a seminar basis and emphasises
student participation.
Recommended reading
Commoner, B. Making Peace with the Planet, New York,
Pantheon Books, 1990
Harding, G. Living Within Limits, New York, Oxford University
Press, 1993
AS306 Methodology of Social Research
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
Note: nis subject must be taka by students completing a
major in sociology
Objectives and Content
This subject is designed to provide an understanding of the
range of methodologies that link sociological theory with
social research practices, and to provide the opportunity for
practical experience in research by using different methods
and designs. The subject has a strong applied focus and we
examine the relationship between theory, research design
and policy. Students are introduced to a range of methods of
data gathering, data analysis and presentation of results,
using both quantitative and qualitative strategies. Each
student will carry out a substantial piece of independent
research under staff supervision.
Recommended reading
de Vaus, D.A. Surveys in Social Research. 3rd edn, North Sydney,
Allen and Unwin, 1991
Neuman, W. L. Social Research Methods, 2nd edn, Boston, Allyn
and Bacon, 1994
Betts, K. and Seitz, A. Writing Essays and Research Reports in the
Social Sciences, Melbourne, Thomas Nelson, 1994
AS307 Sociology and Social Policy
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
Objectives and Content
The subject reviews major theoretical and ideological
approaches to social policy and introduces students to key
policy issues, such as problem identification, policy
implementation, evaluation and monitoring. Particular
attention is given to the analysis of health policy in a
number of key areas such as women's health, mental illness
ageing, medical technology, chronically and disability. The
subject also seeks to compare Australian health policy to
health policy developments in a number of other societies.
Recommended reading
Davis, A. and George, J. States ofHealth, 2nd edn, Sydney,
Harper, 1993
Gardner, H. (ed.) Health Policy Development, Implementation and
Evaluation in Australia. Melbourne, Churchill Livingstone, 1992
Palmer, R. and Short, S. Health Care and Public Policy, an
Australian Analysis. 2nd edn, South Melbourne, Macmillan, 1994
AS308 Migration and Ethnicity
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: for students
majoring in sociology, two stage two sociology subjects (or two
sociology subjects and AP207 for students majoring in
Australian Studies) Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
International migration pressures in Western societies are
widespread and growing, as are tensions over settlement and
integration. This subject takes a comparative approach and
examines social and political factors shaping these processes
with examples drawn from Australia, North America,
France and Germany. It analyses theories that attempt to
explain the international movement of people and theories
focused on the development of ethnicity.
Recommended reading
Freeman, G. and Jupp, J. (eds) Nations of Immigrants Australia,
the United States and International Migration. Melbourne, Oxford
University Press, 1992
Glazer, N. and Moynihan, D. (eds) Ethnicity neory and
Experience. Cambridge, Mass., Hanard University, 1975
Simcox, D. (ed.) U.S. Immigration in the 1980s Reappraisal and
Refonn. Boulder, Colorado, Westview Press, 1988.
AS400 Urban and Social Theory
3 hours per week Hawthorn 0 Prerequisite: nil
Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Graduate Diploma in Urban Research and
Policy
Obiectives and Content
~h, subject is designed to introduce students to the major
theoretical perspectives used by social scientists to analyse urban
development, to examine the nature of the urbanisation process
and related urban problems, and to develop an understanding of
the role of the State in urban society.
AS402 Urban Policy
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: nil
Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Graduate Diploma in Urban Research and
Policy
Objectives and Content
This subject is concerned with an examination of national,
state, and local policies that pertain to urban areas. Crucial
issues covered include consideration of what constitutes
urban problems and policies, the significance of ideology to
policy, formulating policy, putting ideas into operation,
evaluation and analysis of policy, and the significance of
political structure. Particular topics such as housing, landuse,
infra-structure will be used to exemplify issues, and
experts in various policy areas participate in the course.
Swinburne University of Technology 1997 Handbook 253