HSSW501 – Introduction to Society

Module code

HSSW501

Module title

Introduction to Society

Prescription

This module introduces students to key sociological concepts, perspectives and theories in order for them to develop a greater understanding of the social world in which they live. Students will develop knowledge and skills to identify and understand social problems and society, with a particular focus on power relationships, oppressive structures and social change. Students will also be introduced to issues concerning the government and political processes in Aotearoa New Zealand. The implications of social difference are examined from a personal and professional perspective. Students begin to apply sociological theory to practice contexts.

NZQA Level

Level 5

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Supported

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 300

Resources required

Learning Outcomes: 1.Explore and discuss a range of sociological concepts, perspectives and theories and their application to real life situations and social problems, globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand
2.Identify and describe the impact that dominant discourses, including anti oppressive practice, may have on social work relationships
3.Explore culture, cultural differences and cultural contexts in society and how they influence social work and counselling relationships with whanau/clients
4.Explain government structures, legal systems and political processes in Aotearoa New Zealand
5.Describe own responses to difference and life experiences of others to develop self-awareness
Content: - The sociological imagination
- Definitions and history of sociology
- Foundational Sociological concepts, perspectives and theories including but not restricted to Conflict Theory, Structural Functionalism and Symbolic Interactionism Social Constructionism
- Feminism, Post Colonialism, Identity Politics and Intersectionality.
- Social Research concepts
- Social problems - Private troubles vs. Public Problems
- Power relationships and oppressive structures in society
- Te Tiriti and New Zealand society
- Gender, sexuality, age and identity
- Work and economic life
- Religion
- Stratification and class
- Racism and ethnicity
- Human Rights legislation
- Deviance and crime
- Politics, state and nation
- Exploration of own background
- Health and socio-economic consequences of difference
- Preparing for clients of different ethnic and cultural contexts to one's own
- Definition and discussion of anti-oppressive-practice
- Exploration of what dominant discourse means and some current examples
Teaching and Learning Strategy: - Lecture
- Small Group Activities
- Tutorials
- Case studies
- Online learning
Assessment Criteria: Assessment in this module is mixed mode. The application and assessment of transferable skills are integrated into the assessment tasks. To pass this module all assessments must be submitted and an overall pass mark of 50 is required. Students must also meet all the requirements of the competency based assessment task to be eligible for a final grade for this module. The final grade will be based on the marks from the achievement based tasks.

The BSW is an applied academic degree which includes the requirement that students demonstrate professional practice in a range of ways. This includes high levels of attendance and participation. To this end, students who do not meet the 80 attendance criteria (without approved reason) will fail the respective module.
Required Textbooks: An extended reading list will be supplied by the tutor at commencement of the course. This will be updated annually.