BHS4040 - Behavioural studies in the 21st Century: Issues and paradigms

Leader: Peter Kelly

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

The beginning of the 21st century poses a variety of challenges for the study and understanding of human behaviour. In the social sciences the so-called paradigm wars - between Positivist, Interpretivist and Critical research traditions - have made the study of behaviour more problematic. In addition, globalised social, cultural, technological and political changes have transformed the contexts, the nature and the consequences of human behaviour. In this Unit students will identify and review research traditions and issues in relation to an area of behaviour that they select in consultation with the Unit Co-ordinator.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will:

1. Have developed a detailed and extensive knowledge of a significant issue in the study of human behaviour
2. Have developed a detailed and extensive knowledge of the historical and contemporary characteristics of this issue
3. Have developed a detailed and extensive knowledge of the variety of theoretical and methodological approaches that have been developed and deployed in relation to this issue
4. Have developed an ability to identify, explore and make judgements on the research literature related to this issue
5. Have developed an ability to critically use this literature to communicate, orally and in a written form, in a logical, coherent and analytical manner about this issue

Assessment

Written work 70%
Seminar presentation 30%

Contact hours

One 3-hour seminar per week