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Understanding Social Problems
Undergraduate | GRF-CCJ18 | 2023
Course information for 2023 intake
Comprehend crime in a social context. Foster an understanding of the dynamic relationship between the individual and society. Apply these perspectives to social problems in everyday life: illegal drug use, domestic violence, terrorism and pollution.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Understanding Social Problems
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in sociology and the study of social problems
- Apply these concepts and perspectives to an analysis of social problems in everyday life, problems of social inequality and problems associated with globalisation.
- Demonstrate how a sociological imagination might be applied to key concerns within criminology and criminal justice
- Provide evidence of effective research and information searching skills
- Express yourself clearly in written language and present your work in accordance with appropriate academic standards
- Undertake positive and productive study skills and effective time management.
- Introduction to Social Problems
- Theorising social problems
- Environmental problems
- Conflict, War and Terrorism
- Racism and inequality
- Gender, Sexuality, and Inequality
- Problems of Health and Wellbeing
- Family violence
- Poverty and Economic Inequality
- Crime and Deviance
This subject introduces students to the importance of understanding social problems, such as crime, in social context. It addresses key questions about the society we live in and provides a critical analysis of the ways in which social problems become defined. This includes an exploration of the combination of objective and subjective criteria that vary across societies, among individuals and groups in society, and across historical time periods. In so doing, it will demonstrate that social problems may be seen as socially and historically constructed categories. Students will be introduced to different ways of thinking about social problems and these different perspectives will be applied to a variety of social concerns (for example, illegal drug use, domestic violence, terrorism, environmental pollution). Students will develop skills in understanding and analysing a range of concepts, theories and perspectives on social life. A key objective is to foster a critical and interpretive understanding of the dynamic relationship between the individual and society.
Note: Students who have already completed SGY14 Social Sciences in Australia as part of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice do not need to complete this subject. Assessment details will be advised at the beginning of the subject offering.
- Final Exam (40%)
- Online Quiz (20%)
- Essay (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 18
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 20
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
GRF-SGY14-Understanding the Social World (no longer available)
Others
Students who have completed more than 2 OUA units (GPA 4.0+) and are planning on completing the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice are strongly encouraged to enrol in the degree. Part of this process will involve registering your study plan with Griffith University, which will help to ensure that you are studying the required units.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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