SOCS2300

Ethical Debates in the Social Sciences

Faculty of Education and Arts School of Humanities and Social Science

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2
Ourimbah	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006

This course is a prescribed course for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Science and is also open to all students as an elective.

In this course students are introduced to:
(i) the nature of ethics and moral discourse in the social sciences;
(ii) a range of ethical issues and moral debates that they may encounter in their professional lives; and
(iii) and methods for addressing these ethical issues.

Objectives

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of ethics and moral discourse.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of ethical issues, perspectives and debates relevant to the social sciences.
3. Critically appraise and discuss the relevant literature in written and oral forms.
4. Communicate understanding of ethical issues in written and oral forms, by employing analytical skills enabling them to deal with moral issues and get beyond mere disagreement and ambiguity.

Content

The course has three parts.
(i) The first part introduces students to the nature of ethics and moral discourse; the nature of ethical methodology; and the possibilities and limits of ethical discourse and practice.
(ii) The second part concerns a range of ethical issues and moral debates relevant to social science students, which may include one or more of the following: the moral principles underlying ethical debates and ethical research in the social sciences; ethical debates concerning relevant social issues or professional practice;
(iii) The third part introduces students to a range of ethical issues more pertinent to Indigenous centred research in social sciences and to professional practice standards.

Replacing Course(s)

Not applicable.

Transition

Not applicable.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

40 units of study at 1000 level.

Modes of Delivery

Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Essays / Written Assignments	Two or more written assignments, which might include minor or major essays, short-answer assignments, or tutorial papers, all totaling 4500 words.
Group/tutorial participation and contribution	General class participation, which might include tutorial involvement OR contributions to online forums.

Contact Hours

Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Timetables