Students

SOC 352 – Social Change Placement

2017 – S2 Day

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Justine Lloyd
Contact via justine.lloyd@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
6
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(39cp at 100 level or above) or admission to GDipArts
Corequisites Corequisites
SOC350 or SOC390
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit involves a semester long placement with a non-government or social change organisation. Students will work in a small group on a campaign, activity or project negotiated with their host organisation. The unit is designed as an 'action research' project in which students research the process of social change by direct involvement in social change campaigns. Building on the knowledge and skills from SOC350, this unit allows students to examine how a particular campaign works and apply social movement and social change theory. Students will also develop skills useful for work in the non-government sector.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated an ability to work with supervision;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • a familiarity with the real life conditions of social movement organisations, including resource and technology strengths and weaknesses
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;
  • been able to produce a report reflecting the research undertaken
  • demonstrated awareness of ethical conduct and challenges posed in collaborative research processes

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Individual Reading Reflection 15% No End of Week 4
Presentation – Draft 15% No End of Week 8
Presentation – Final 30% No End of Week 13
Individual Reflection 30% No End of first exam week
Workshop participation 10% No Ongoing

Individual Reading Reflection

Due: End of Week 4
Weighting: 15%

400-500 word reflection on set article.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • been able to produce a report reflecting the research undertaken

Presentation – Draft

Due: End of Week 8
Weighting: 15%

500-1000 words draft report outline and verbal in-class presentation


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated an ability to work with supervision;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • a familiarity with the real life conditions of social movement organisations, including resource and technology strengths and weaknesses
  • been able to produce a report reflecting the research undertaken

Presentation – Final

Due: End of Week 13
Weighting: 30%

4500-5000 word (excluding appendices) report on placement project.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated an ability to work with supervision;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • a familiarity with the real life conditions of social movement organisations, including resource and technology strengths and weaknesses
  • been able to produce a report reflecting the research undertaken

Individual Reflection

Due: End of first exam week
Weighting: 30%

2500-3000 word (excluding appendices) reflective, experiential analysis.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;
  • been able to produce a report reflecting the research undertaken
  • demonstrated awareness of ethical conduct and challenges posed in collaborative research processes

Workshop participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

Preparation for and contributions to group discussion in seminars.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated an ability to work with supervision;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • demonstrated awareness of ethical conduct and challenges posed in collaborative research processes

Delivery and Resources

Class format: There will be:

·      7 x 3-hour workshops on campus (Workshop timetable below)

·      A placement of approximately 70-80 hours duration (approx. one day per week x 10 weeks), undertaken within a student team or individually working on a project devised in negotiation with the course convenor for a social change organisation;

·      Preparation of placement-related presentation and report tasks, including meetings and communications, approximately 60 hours (4 hours a week x 15 weeks);

·      Preparation of individual reading reflection and final reflection tasks, approximately 60 hours (4 hours a week x 15 weeks);

·      Related independent reading and research development tasks, approximately 60 hours (4 hours a week x 15 weeks). 

As this is a professional skills development course, it is essential for students to participate in all components of the unit.

According to Senate Guidelines, there should be 3 hours of nominated activity per credit point per week per semester (15 weeks = 13 teaching weeks + 2 recess weeks). This is based on the Senate's resolution, that students are expected to work on private study, completion of assignments, etc, in the two-week mid-semester break and that this work counts in the workload of a unit

Technologies used in this course: Important information about the weekly topics, course readings and assessment are all available on the course iLearn page. If you do not have access, please contact IT help. You are required to check iLearn and your student email regularly for course updates and communications.

Recommended and further readings for each week are available through ilearn and the course e-reserve page via the library website.

What has changed: This is a new 6 cpt unit which expands the previous 3 cpt offering, SOC351. Substantial revisions of that unit include expanded hours for the placement and associated project work, as well as new topics and assignments reflecting the focus on participatory action research methods.

Unit Schedule

 

Week

SOC352 Program

1

Workshop A: Introduction: Unit overview and theoretical tools

including project management planning

 

2

Workshop B: Action Research I: Review & orientation

Including Module on Experiential Learning and Reflective Practice, based on online materials developed by the Faculty PACE team

3

Self-directed study and placement meetings

4

Workshop C: Action Research II: Participation, Objectivity & Double-Loop Learning including Module on Ethics in Research and at the Workplace, based on ‘Human Research Ethics for the Social Sciences and Humanities’ online training module and quiz

5

Self-directed study and placement

6

Workshop D: Effective Report Writing & Interviewing Skills

7

Self-directed study and placement

8

Self-directed study and placement

9

Workshop E: Presentations & Trouble shooting part one

 

10

Workshop F: Presentations & Trouble shooting part two

11

Self-directed study and placement

12

Self-directed study and placement

13

Workshop G: Final Presentations & Debrief – What worked? What didn't?

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;

Assessment task

  • Individual Reflection

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated an ability to work with supervision;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • a familiarity with the real life conditions of social movement organisations, including resource and technology strengths and weaknesses
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;

Assessment tasks

  • Presentation – Draft
  • Presentation – Final
  • Individual Reflection

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;

Assessment task

  • Individual Reflection

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated an ability to work with supervision;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • a familiarity with the real life conditions of social movement organisations, including resource and technology strengths and weaknesses
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;
  • been able to produce a report reflecting the research undertaken
  • demonstrated awareness of ethical conduct and challenges posed in collaborative research processes

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Reading Reflection
  • Presentation – Draft
  • Presentation – Final
  • Individual Reflection
  • Workshop participation

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated an ability to work with supervision;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;
  • demonstrated awareness of ethical conduct and challenges posed in collaborative research processes

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Reading Reflection
  • Presentation – Draft
  • Presentation – Final
  • Individual Reflection
  • Workshop participation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • built on the analytic and research skills learnt in the Macquarie University course Activism and Social Change (SOC 390/SOC350);
  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated an ability to work with supervision;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • a familiarity with the real life conditions of social movement organisations, including resource and technology strengths and weaknesses
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;
  • been able to produce a report reflecting the research undertaken
  • demonstrated awareness of ethical conduct and challenges posed in collaborative research processes

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Reading Reflection
  • Presentation – Draft
  • Presentation – Final
  • Individual Reflection

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;
  • been able to produce a report reflecting the research undertaken

Assessment tasks

  • Individual Reading Reflection
  • Individual Reflection
  • Workshop participation

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;
  • demonstrated awareness of ethical conduct and challenges posed in collaborative research processes

Assessment tasks

  • Presentation – Final
  • Individual Reflection

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • demonstrated an ability to be able to work collaboratively with others to meet agreed goals;
  • demonstrated critical analytical and integrative thinking in the connection of theory with practice in the context of a social movement organisation;
  • become familiar with the tools and application of an action research methodology, with a thorough knowledge of how it should be used in social research;
  • demonstrated problem-solving ability in using knowledge creatively to address complex barriers to change;
  • a familiarity with the real life conditions of social movement organisations, including resource and technology strengths and weaknesses
  • learnt to be critically reflective on the experience of both placement and participation in the social movement process;

Assessment tasks

  • Presentation – Final
  • Individual Reflection

Changes since First Published

Date Description
15/10/2017 Correct word lengths updated for major assignments.