Students
SOCI3080 – Economic Futures: Work, Inequality and Power
2021 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Ben Spies-Butcher
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Our economy is changing. New technology, social norms and politics are reshaping who does what, and who gets what. In this unit we look at what has changed, and what will change. Why is work becoming less secure, housing more expensive and inequality growing? How are the choices of national governments shaped by broader global forces? We examine the big trends driving change, for example, the rise of service employment and automation, the introduction of competition in public services and distrust in formal politics. Not only will we explore what is driving inequality and insecurity, we also ask how we can respond - as (future) workers, governments and citizens.
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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:
- ULO1: describe a number of theoretical approaches to the relationship between the economy, policy and society
- ULO2: assess the suitability of different theoretical approaches to different kinds of social and policy problems
- ULO3: analyse how policy development is influenced by macro economic and political forces
- ULO4: apply ideas from political economy and political sociology to recent developments in the global economy and in the development of social policy
- ULO5: demonstrate an ability to appreciate ethical dimensions of challenges confronting contemporary societies and be able to reflect strategically on how these can be addressed
- ULO6: work in teams to construct a collective understanding of social issues and promote collaboration
- ULO7: understand how the structure of the economy is shaped by civil society and collective social action
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short paper | 20% | No | Tuesday 17 August, 11.30pm |
| Run a seminar/online discussion | 30% | No | Weeks 6 - 12 |
| Issue/policy analysis | 40% | No | Monday 8th November 11.30pm |
| Seminar/online forum engagement | 10% | No | Weeks 2-12 |
Short paper
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Tuesday 17 August, 11.30pm
Weighting: 20%
Analysis of key paper and idea.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- describe a number of theoretical approaches to the relationship between the economy, policy and society
- apply ideas from political economy and political sociology to recent developments in the global economy and in the development of social policy
- understand how the structure of the economy is shaped by civil society and collective social action
Run a seminar/online discussion
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Weeks 6 - 12
Weighting: 30%
In most weeks, student groups will run part of the seminar/online discussion. The presentations will have similar structures in class and online. In class the group will be responsible for running the class, providing input (e.g. a short presentation or media clip) and running activities. Online groups will be responsible for weekly forums, including posting stimulus material and structuring student engagement. The group is collectively responsible for developing the material, usually this would involve individual members playing different roles, some of which may not involve running live sessions. Individual contributions will be identified in the individual reflection.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- describe a number of theoretical approaches to the relationship between the economy, policy and society
- assess the suitability of different theoretical approaches to different kinds of social and policy problems
- analyse how policy development is influenced by macro economic and political forces
- apply ideas from political economy and political sociology to recent developments in the global economy and in the development of social policy
- demonstrate an ability to appreciate ethical dimensions of challenges confronting contemporary societies and be able to reflect strategically on how these can be addressed
- work in teams to construct a collective understanding of social issues and promote collaboration
Issue/policy analysis
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Monday 8th November 11.30pm
Weighting: 40%
Analysis of a significant social, political and economic change.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- describe a number of theoretical approaches to the relationship between the economy, policy and society
- assess the suitability of different theoretical approaches to different kinds of social and policy problems
- analyse how policy development is influenced by macro economic and political forces
- apply ideas from political economy and political sociology to recent developments in the global economy and in the development of social policy
- understand how the structure of the economy is shaped by civil society and collective social action
Seminar/online forum engagement
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: Weeks 2-12
Weighting: 10%
Active participation in seminars and activities run by student group facilitators. This will involve posting on discussion forums run by other student presenters and engaging with arguments and concepts developed in the forums.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- describe a number of theoretical approaches to the relationship between the economy, policy and society
- assess the suitability of different theoretical approaches to different kinds of social and policy problems
- analyse how policy development is influenced by macro economic and political forces
- apply ideas from political economy and political sociology to recent developments in the global economy and in the development of social policy
- demonstrate an ability to appreciate ethical dimensions of challenges confronting contemporary societies and be able to reflect strategically on how these can be addressed
- understand how the structure of the economy is shaped by civil society and collective social action
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Following the shift to online learning in 2020, the unit is now organised around either a 2 hour seminar-style discussion (in-person or on Zoom depending on health restrictions) or an online discussion forum. These discussions are supported by a weekly video and weekly readings. The videos are like mini-lectures, usually around 30 minutes long. All required readings are available through Leganto, along with a number of supplementary readings.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Late Penalties
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a penalty for lateness will apply – ten (10) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date (or extended due date in cases where special consideration is granted). No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 20/07/2021 | Updated late penalty |
Unit information based on version 2021.01R of the Handbook