1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

Content
Information society: conceptual paradigms;
political economy of information society: control,
competition and choice;
Australian telecommunications: beyond the duopoloy;
globalisation: cultural imperialism revisited;
privatisation: impact and effects;
national information policies: Singapore, U.S.A.,
Australia;
the broadband revolution: supply and demand;
media and telecommunications policy in Asia;
public broadcasting: crisis of identity;
social agendas: privacy, equity, abuse;
futures methodologies: media and telecommunications.
Recommended reading
Lyon, D. lk I$mtion Sonery: I~ssues and Illusions, Polity Press, 1988
Green,L. and Guinery,R (eds) Framing Technology, Allen &
Unwin, 1994
Wark, M., Virtual Geography, Indiana University Press, 1994
LSSl 00 Introduction to Sociology
3 hours per week Lilydale Prerequistite: nil Assessment:
Tutorial attendance and participation, essay and examination
A stage 1 subject in the Bachelor of Social Science which
also may be taken in the Bachelor of Business and the
Bachelor of Applied Science.
Obiectives and Content
his subject aims to provide students with a general
introduction to the content and methods of the disci~line. It
examines the ways in which individual and group behaviour
influence social outcomes. Students will develop an
appreciation of the manner in which society and its institutions
shape and constrain individual behaviour. A number of themes
are^explored including examination of the processes via which
our self conceDts. behaviours and ideas are formed: and how
L C
everyday interactions are socially negotiated accomplishments.
The subjects also deals with broad social structures and power
relationshi~s which sha~e the destinies of individuals and social
groups. A wide range of contemporary social issues and debates
are analysed using sociological perspectives which relate to
social class, gender, ethnicity and the role of other institutions
u, in society such as the state and the economy. The methods and
-. & theories used by sociologists, as well as how sociological
5
analysis can inform the development and implementation of
g social policy, are considered.
3. Recommended reading
Gi Babbie, E.. What is Society, Forge Press, 1994
Berger, P., Invitation to Sociology, Pelican, U.K. 1996
Haralambos, M. and Holborn, M. Sociology: Themes and
Penpectives, Revised edn, London, Collins Educational, 1991
Robertson, I. Sociology, Worth, New York, 1987
LSS2OO Sociology of Deviance and Social
Control
3 hours per week Lilydule Prerequistite: LSSIOO
Assessment: Methodology Exercise, Debate Tutorial
Participation Essay (2000 words)
A stage 2 subject in the Bachelor of Social Science which
also may be taken in the Bachelor of Business and the
Bachelor of Applied Science.
Objectives and Content
The study 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
which 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 Repression, Sydney, Allen & Unwin,
1995
LSS201 Sex and Gender in Society
3 hoursper week Lilydale Prerequistite: LSSIOO
Assessment: major essay (3500 words), Jnal examination
A stage 2 subject in the Bachelor of Social Science which
also may be taken in the Bachelor of Business and the
Bachelor of Applied Science.
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
Connell, R., Gender and Power, Sydney, Allen & Unwin, 1987
Hughes, K.P. ed., Contemporary Australian Feminism, Melbourne,
Longman Cheshire, 1994