Sociology of Youth & Youth Policy

Subject 672-380 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Recommended: 12.5 points of Level 1 and Level 2 Sociology or Criminology
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Prof. Johanna Wyn

johanna@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject introduces major sociological approaches to youth, and explores ways different groups of young people experience and interact with the state through examining youth policy. The subject locates youth experience in changing forms of socialisation, with reference to school, work, family, gender and sexual identities. It examines ways youth is constructed as a category of policy, discussing contemporary issues such as youth homelessness, health and legal issues. It focuses on young people's responses, exploring ways young people can be understood as social actors. On completion of this subject students should have a knowledge of contemporary sociological approaches to youth; have a knowledge of contemporary youth policy, with reference to current Australian debates; and have an ability to critically evaluate areas of contemporary youth policy.
Objectives:
  • have a knowledge of contemporary sociological approaches to youth;
  • be able to use sociological frameworks to explore key dimensions of the contemporary youth experience;
  • have a knowledge of contemporary youth policy, with reference to current Australian debates;
  • have an ability to evaluate critically areas of contemporary youth policy.
Assessment: A research essay of 1000 words 25% (due mid-semester), a research essay of 2000 words 50% (due at the end of semester), and a take-home exam 25% (due in the examination period).
Prescribed Texts:
  • Education and Risk: Facing the Future (P Dwyer and J Wyn) Routledge/Falmer 2001
  • Rethinking Youth (J Wyn and R White) Allen and Unwin 1997
  • Youth and Society: Exploring the Social Dynamics of the Youth Experience (R White and J Wyn) Oxford University Press 2004
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills, through research and written communication;
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing;
  • display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research and of our place as researchers.
Notes:

Formerly available as 166-083 and 672-380. Students who have completed 166-083 or 672-380 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Available as a Breadth subject
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Socio-legal Studies Major
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major

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