Please note - Swinburne University of Technology

which many of Australia's most recent immigrants have
come. It is intended to develop students' capabilities for
undertaking research on the background of contemporaly
issues, and for sifting facts out of the conflicting propaganda
and reportage, and identifying possible courses of
action. The present focus is on Vietnam, Cambodia and
Laos. The subject also deals with the impact events in Indochina
have had on Australia.
References
Evans, G. and Rowley, K. Red Brotherhood at War: Vietnam,
Cambodia and Laos since 1975. Rev. ed, London: Verso, 1990
AP313 lndia - Uneven Development
No. of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: two stage two political studies
subjects
Assessment: continuous
Subject aims and description
The course highlights the uneven character of development
in India, relating it to the economic-political structure of
Indian society. It explains why a country with an extensive
and relatively advanced industrial base also suffers
widespread poverty. The course deals with both the
empirical and theoretical aspects of development in India.
Topics include: 'green revolution' and class formation, land
reform, agrarian relations, peasant conflict, industrialization.
women in the labour force, caste and social status, and
population and family planning.
References
Alavi, H. and Harriss, I. (eds) South Asia. Basingstoke: Macrnillan,
1989
Jeffrey, R. et al. lndia Rebellion To Republic: Selected Writings,
1857-1990. New Delhi: Sterling, 1990
Lakha, S. Capitalism and Class in Colonial lndia: The Case of
Ahmedabad. New Delhi: Sterling, 1988
AP314 Work in Australia
No. of houn per week: three hours
Prerequisites: any two stage two political studies
subjects, or equivalent. AP207 is recommended,
but not compulsory
Assessment: essay, seminar paper and
participation
Subject aims and description
This subject provides a historical and thematic approach to
the study of work in Australia. The subject traces the
evolution of blue collar and white collar occupations from
the 1880s through to the Depression, the Second World
War and the long boom. It looks at the formation of unions,
professions, employer organisations, and the role of
government in the shaping of the industrial relations system.
It gives attention to the processes which have led to labour
market inequalities on the grounds of gender, ethnicity and
age. Contemporary issues such as technological change,
labour market deregulation arid unemployment are also
addressed.
Preliminary reading
Fox, C. Mrkhg Australia. Sydney: Allen & Unwin. 1991
Probert, B. Working Life: Arguments About Work in Australian
Society Ringwood, Vic.: McPhee Gribble, 1990 c. 1989
ns100
Sociology 1A
No. of hours per week: three and a half hours
daytime or three hours evening
Prerequisites: nil, but note that AS100 and
ASIO~ are normally taken in the one par
Assessment: essays; examination and class
participation
Subject aims and description
This subject is concerned with the social construction of
human behaviour and society. It begins by focusing upon
individuals and groups, examining how self-concepts,
behaviour and ideas are socially formed and how everyday
interactions are negotiated accomplishments.
The subject also deals with social structures and power
relationships which shape the destinies of individuals and
groups. We will discuss such issues as social class, gender,
ethnicity and the state. The subject includes consideration of
the methods and theories whereby sociologists produce
knowledge about the social world.
Reference
To be advised
As101 Sociology 1B
No. of houn per week: four and a half hours
daytime or three hours per w k evening
Prerequisite: AS 100
Assessment: essays, exercises and examination
Subject aims and description
This subject provides an introduction to sociological ways of
thinking about contemporary Australia. It examines changes
and controversies in the modern family including marriage,
divorce, the division of labour and violence in the family. It
also considers issues associated with governments and
markets, including spending and taxation, welfare and crime.
Finally, the subject provides an introduction to data collection
and analysis in social research.
Reference
To be advised
AS204 Models of Sociological Analysis
No. of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: AS100 and AS101, and AP112 for
students majoring in Australian Studies
Assessment: assignments and a test
Subject aims and description
No application of sociological techniques can be productive
without an understanding of the theoretical issues which
inform social explanation. This subject is designed to help
students consolidate and extend their knowledge of social
theory and to explore the ways in which social theory is
useful in addressing practical issues in social policy and
research .
This subject examines the most influential social theories.
their sources in 19th Century thought and their influence on
present-day social thinking. The works of Marx, Weber and
Durkheim and contemporary writings which build on their
ideas are discussed. Feminist and post-modern theories are
also considered. Theories are examined for their core
assumptions, ideological foundations and approaches to
knowledge. Class discussions are designed to enable
students to link these theoretical debates to current social
issues and to practical strategies of social research.
References
Beilhan, P. (ed.) Social Theory: A Guide to Central Thinkers North
Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1992
Ritzer, G. Sociological Theory 3rd ed, Nw York: McGraw Hill, 1992
Thompson, K. and Tunstall, J. Sociological Fefspeaives. Harrnondsworth:
Penguin, 1971
Zeitlin, I. Ideology and the Development of Sociological Theory. 4th
ed, Englewood Cliffs, Nw Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1990