Controversies: Foundations of Critical Social Analysis
Undergraduate
UNE-HASS101 2024Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Controversies: Foundations of Critical Social Analysis
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of: (a) the process, value and relevance of critical social analysis; (b) a range of controversial and contested issues; (c) key concepts in critical social analysis including cultural relativism, objectivity, causation, human nature and scientific method;
- demonstrate a knowledge of, and be able to apply at a basic level, core concepts, perspectives and methodologies used in a variety of disciplines to a range of social controversies;
- display skills in evaluation, analysis, argument and written communication in their assigned work; and
- display autonomy and judgement in the planning, researching, writing and presenting of assignment tasks.
- Topics will be available to enrolled students in the subjects Learning Management System site approximately one week prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
This introductory subject examines critical social analysis in the Humanities broadly defined, how it is conducted, how it is different from scholarship in the physical sciences, and why it matters. It does so by considering a range of controversial and contested social issues (such as the 'history wars', nationalism and identity, and sexual norms and practices), and the methods used by scholars in a range of disciplines to explore these issues. You will be introduced to selected disciplines and how they vary in terms of core concepts, perspectives, methods of analysis and argument. In considering these topics the aim is both to foster your critical engagement in issues of great public importance, and to encourage you to reflect upon the task of critical social analysis. A key focus in the subject will be on the development of core skills in social analysis.
Assessment 1: 1500 words. Assessment Notes: Critical Review. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4;
Assessment 2: 500 words. Assessment Notes: Essay Plan. Relates to Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 4;
Assessment 3: 2000 words. Assessment Notes: Essay. Relates to Learning Outcomes 1-4.- Assessment 1 - Critical Review (30%)
- Assessment 2 - Essay Plan (20%)
- Assessment 3 - Essay (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.
Learn more about UNE.
Explore UNE courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 36
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Headphones or speakers (required to listen to lectures and other media). Headset, including microphone (highly recommended). Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations).
- Software requirements - It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete your units, regardless of whether they contain an on campus attendance or intensive school component. For additional information please visit UNE Hardware Requirements: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware
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.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Undergraduate
UNE-ART-DIPSingle subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.