1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

LSS300 Sociology of Organisations
3 hours per week Lilydale Prerequistite: LSSlOO and two
second year sociology subjects Assessment: research,
assignment, examination
A stage 3 subject in the Bachelor of Social Science which
also may be taken in the Bachelor of Business and the
Bachelor of Applied Science.
Objectives and Content
The twentieth century is the age of the large organisation. In
particular, it is distinguished by the emergence of giant
multi-divisional corporations, often impersonally owned,
bureaucratically managed, and global in their operations.
Sociology of Organisations examines first the major
explanations of large organisational structures. It then
considers aspects of organisations, including organisational
culture, gender patterns, corporate networks and power.
Finally, the course addresses organisational restructuring,
the emergence of new corporate forms and the resurgence of
small businesses in the late twentieth century.
The course uses case studies such as BHP, General Motors
and McDonalds to illustrate theoretical arguments, and
compares Australian organisational patterns with those of
other societies.
Recommended reading
Clegg, S., Modern Organizations: Organization Studies in the
Postmodern World. London, Sage, 1990
Ritzer, G., The McDonaldization of Society, Newbury Park, Pine
Forge Press, 1993
LSS301 Current Issues in Sociology:
Environment and Population
3 hours per week Lilydale Prerequistite: LSSIOO and two
sociology subjects taken at level two Assessment: One
written seminar paper One major essay Seminar
participation: two group presentations
A stage 3 subject in the Bachelor of Social Science which
also may be taken in the Bachelor of Business and the
Bachelor of Applied Science.
Objectives and Content
The subject matter changes on a year to year basis
depending on what issues are considered relevant and
interesting to students. Typical issues include environment,
health and gender. Irrespective of the issue, key concepts
and theories drawn from sociology will be used to inform
students' understanding.
At present the focus is on the environment and population.
The course analyses the effects of different forms of social
organisation on the natural environment, concentrating on
the degree to which environmental stress is caused by
population growth and the degree to which it is caused by
inappropriate use of resources. It compares specific
problems in Australia with the global situation.
The subject is organised on a seminar basis and emphasises
student participation.
Recommended reading
Commoner, B. Making Peace with the Planet, New York, Pantheon
Books, 1990
Harding, G. Living Within Limits, New York, Oxford University
Press, 1993
LSS302 Methodology of Social Research
3 houn per week Lilydale Prerequistite: LSSlOO and two
second year sociology units Assessment: research design
assignment class test research project tutorial contribution
A stage 3 subject in the Bachelor of Social Science which
also may be taken in the Bachelor of Business and the
Bachelor of Applied Science.
Objectives and Content
This subject is designed to provide an understanding of the
range of methodologies that link sociological theory with
social research practices, and to provide the opportunity for
practical experience in research by using different methods
and designs. In this subject, we examine the relationship
between theory, research design and policy. Students are
introduce to a range of methods of data gathering, data
analysis and presentation of results, using both quantitative
and qualitative strategies. Each student will carry out a
substantial piece of independent research under staff
supervision.
Recommended reading
de Vaus, D.A. Surveys in Social Research. 3rd edn, North Sydney,
Allen and Unwin, 1991
Judd, C.M., Smith, E.R. and Kidder, L.H., Research Methods in
Social Relations. 6th edn, Fort Worth, Hold, Rinehart and
Winston, 1991
Neurnan, W.L. Social Research Methods: Qualitative and
Quantatative Approaches Allen and Bacon, Boston, 1994
LSS303 Sociology and Social Policy
3 hours per week Lilydale Prerequistite: LSSlOO and two
second year sociology subjects Assessment: class exercises
tutorial paper (1500 words) essay (2500 words)
A stage3 subject in the Bachelor of Social Science which also
may be taken in the Bachelor of Business and the Bachelor
of Applied Science.
Objectives and Content
The subject reviews major theoretical and ideological
approaches to social policy and introduces students to key
policy issues, such as problem identification, policy
implementation, evaluation and monitoring. Particular
attention is given to the analysis of health policy in a
number of key areas such as women's health, mental illness
ageing, medical technology, chronically and disability. The
subject also seeks to compare Australian health policy to
health policy developments in a number of other societies.
Recommended reading
Davis, A. and George, J. States ofHealth, 2nd edn, Sydney,
Harper, 1993
Gardner, H. (ed.) Health Policy Development, Implementation and
Evaluation in Australia. Melbourne, Churchill Livingstone, 1992
Palmer, R. and Short, S. Health Care and Public Policy, an
Australian Analysis 2nd edn, South Melbourne, Macrdan, 1994
Swinburne University of Technology 1997 Handbook 421