Overview
Social change is defined by the significant alteration of social structure and cultural patterns. This unit will examine the political influence and communication techniques used to effect meaningful social change, including the rise of social media. You will identify and explain key elements of the democratic process in Australia including relationships between the three levels of government and will critique an example of an effective social change campaign. From this in-depth analysis you will further extend and develop key socially innovative communication techniques applicable to future social change events.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2020
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student evaluation survey 2019
Students commented favorably on the quick turnaround time and detailed feedback provided on assessment pieces.
It is recommended to maintain a quick turnaround time and continue the provision of detailed feedback on assessment pieces.
Feedback from Student evaluation survey 2019
The strong links between the unit content and real-world examples were very well received and presented in a way that was clearly understood by the students.
It is recommended to maintain the strong links between the unit content and real-world examples and present in a way that is clearly understood by the students.
Feedback from Student evaluation survey 2019
The students enjoyed sourcing a variety of free online readings around the unit content rather than having to purchase a textbook.
It is recommended to continue utilising a variety of free online readings for the unit rather than re-introducing a prescribed textbook.
- Define social change in the context of the Australian democratic political system.
- Examine a social change event to identify socially innovative communication techniques.
- Compare and contrast the role of traditional and social media in the context of social change.
- Analyse and evaluate a real-world social change campaign in a political context.
n/a
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 50% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
N/A
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
l.bertoli@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Social Change
This module will introduce you to the concept of social change in a democratic political environment including standard definitions, historical context and practical examples in contemporary Australian culture.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Democracy and the Australian Political System
To affect meaningful social change, it
is imperative that you have a thorough understanding of democracy and
the Australian political system. Module Two will break down the
fundamentals of Australian politics and explain the roles of elected
representatives across Local, State and Federal Governments
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Three Levels of Government: How They Work Together
There’s an old saying in Australian politics: you can’t have one, without the other… and it’s in Module Three that you will explore the fundamental relationships between the three levels of government. This will include analysis of social change campaigns between governments, notably the forced amalgamation of local governments in Queensland.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
People Power: Affecting Social Change in a Democratic Society
In this Module you will explore how
‘people power’ – that is, strong demonstrations of public opinion – can
affect cultural shifts and social change by lobbying the appropriate
levels of government.
The de-amalgamation of four Queensland Councils will be examined as an example.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Notify unit coordinator of scheduled local meeting attendance (date / Council)
Module/Topic
Spreading the Word: Successful Communication Techniques
Module Five provides an introduction to traditional and digital communication techniques used in social change campaigns, including the role of the media and rise of social media. You will also look at the role of professional lobbyists and public relations practitioners in a political context.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Vacation Week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Case Study: Same Sex Marriage in Australia
In December 2017, history was made when Federal Parliament voted in favour of legalising same sex marriage in Australia. In Module Six you will apply key concepts from the unit content to analyse the campaign using the following criteria: Voice, Action and Outcome. You will also examine perceived shortcomings and suggested improvements.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 1 - Local Government Process and Essay
Due Monday Week 6 (Monday, 24 August 2020) at 17:00pm AEST.
Local Government Meeting Attendance and Process Due: Week 6 Monday (24 Aug 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Social Media: The Voice of the People
Module Seven outlines the unprecedented impact of social media in raising public profile and garnering mass support for issues of contention, thus influencing political decisions and social change. You will explore the role of social media through the case study from Module Six, including the rise of hashtags.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
The Role of Traditional Media
The nature of modern media enables journalists to communicate with mass audiences. This module will examine how social change issues are portrayed in the media and how such coverage can ultimately influence potential outcomes. You will discuss whether objectivity is still a core value of modern journalists, particularly concerning government issues.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Lobbying and the Art of Political Spin
Just as magicians use smoke and mirrors to create illusions, so too does the political machine to divert attention from an unsuspecting audience. Module Nine provides an in-depth look at the art of public relations and selling the political message, as well as the external lobbyists whose job it is to win favour and influence political decisions.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Political Practice and Application of the Message
This Module breaks down the political process and explores the progress of a social change campaign from concept to reality. You will gain an understanding of primary government papers (Green and White) including those written to generate discussion, and those outlining legislation and policy, in-line with your second assessment.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
What Does the Future Hold?
Module 11 focuses on the future and how YOU – the social innovators and cultural taste makers of tomorrow – will continue to affect meaningful change through technological advances, community service and entrepreneurial enterprise; all of which will ideally provide positive contributions to society.
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
In Module 12 you will reflect on the unit content and review key concepts
Chapter
Details in the Study Guide Lesson - located on the unit website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2 - Lobbying for Social Change (Green Paper)
Due Friday Week 12 (Friday, 9 October 2020) at 17.00pm AEST.
Lobbying for Social Change Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Part A
Identify
your local government area and organise to attend an Ordinary Council
Meeting between weeks two (2) and six (6) of term. Prior to attending
the meeting, research the meeting agenda and identify two potential
social change issues that may require a decision to be made by Council.
During the meeting, pay particular attention to the discussion of these
issues, including the background, the voting process and the outcome/s.
Attach the appropriate section of the agenda as an appendix to this assignment as evidence of attendance and research.
Part B
In 1,500 words, analyse the aspects of social change evident in the two issues identified at the meeting.
Link your analysis and findings to relevant unit content, including academic references, to justify and support your arguments.
The
point of this analysis is to articulate social change, and identify
socially innovative communication techniques in action on a local
government level.
Your analysis should be structured around the following sub-headings:
- Introduction – identify the Council area and introduce social change in the context of local government.
- Issue One – provide a brief summary of the first issue including voting process and outcome from the meeting.
- Issue Two - provide a brief summary of the second issue including voting process and outcome from the meeting
- Discussion – linking with key concepts from the unit, explain how social change was affected through the democratic process, including the role of the media, political and non-political influence.
- Conclusion - justification of your argument
Week 6 Monday (24 Aug 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Online
Week 8 Monday (7 Sept 2020)
The unit coordinator will eneavour to return assessments within two weeks of their due date.
Elements assessed for the Meeting component will include:
- Attendance at a Council meeting
- Correct identification of social change issues
- Quality of analysis of the local government meeting and voting process.
Elements assessed for the Analysis component include:
- Attention to task requirements
- Quality of issue analysis including background and appetite for change
- Quality of writing
- Link to unit concepts
- Quality of referencing
A marking rubric is available on the Moodle site.
- Define social change in the context of the Australian democratic political system.
- Examine a social change event to identify socially innovative communication techniques.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
- Social Innovation
2 Written Assessment
You are advocating on behalf of an innovative Australian social change campaign. Prepare a submission to the relevant level of government in the form of a Green Paper to articulate your position and influence social change in a democratic political environment. You may choose an issue or social change campaign identified at your local Council meeting (from Assessment One). Alternatively, you can select a social change campaign of your choosing, with prior approval from the Unit Coordinator, or choose from the options below:
- Changing (or maintaining) the date of Australia Day in your local area. Should celebrations be held on a more culturally sensitive date?
- Coal-Fired Power - lobby FOR / AGAINST the construction of a new coal-fired power station in Australia.
Consider the historical context of the issue in Australian culture and
explain why there is now an appetite for change, including political and
non-political influence. Research which level of government is
responsible for legislating change in the context of your chosen social
change campaign. Identify and evaluate socially innovative communication
techniques used in the social change campaign, paying particular
attention to the role of traditional and non-traditional media. Present
your argument as a 2,500-word Green Paper, linking with
key concepts from the unit to explain if / how social change was
affected through the democratic process. Justify what improvements could
be made to the campaign, where relevant and why. Your assessment will include relevant
academic references to support your arguments. Each submission should
include a preface, explaining the context of the campaign in terms of
what you are lobbying, to whom and why.
The preface is not included in the final word count.
Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2020) 11:45 pm AEST
Online
Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2020)
The unit coordinator will eneavour to return assessments within two weeks of their due date.
Marking Criteria will include:
- Appropriate format (Green Paper) in context of your social change campaign
- Quality of issue analysis
- Quality of writing
- Link to unit content
-
Quality of referencing
Further guidance on this assessment, including a marking rubric is available on the Moodle site.
- Compare and contrast the role of traditional and social media in the context of social change.
- Analyse and evaluate a real-world social change campaign in a political context.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Social Innovation
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Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
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A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
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A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
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What can you do to act with integrity?
