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SOC3007F SOCIAL RESEARCH / SOC3027F SOCIAL RESEARCH (INDUSTRIAL SOCIOLOGY)

Convener: Dr T Meyer

This course consists of two components: (1) lectures on qualitative and quantitative research methods and (2) research groups in which students get to engage in research exercises (from developing a research proposal to conducting pilot and/or main studies). The options vary from year to year and focus on a variety of contemporary South African themes which are linked to substantive topics covered in the second semester. The lectures provide an introductory course in research methods to equip students to conduct their research exercises. The research group meetings deal with substantive, methodological and theoretical issues related to the research proposal and offer personal supervision for research exercises.

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SOC3029S INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY & CHANGE

Convenor: Dr A Benya

South Africa post-1994 is an integrated part of the world globalised economy. This course examines socio-economic issues within this international context, with a particular focus on industrial society, exploring change and continuity in terms of theory, policy and the lived experience of everyday life. What is changing? Where is change coming from? Who is driving change? Who benefits from change? What problems stand in the way of development towards a more just society? Against the background of questions such as these, the issues of industrial society to be examined will be drawn from work, industry, inequality, skills development, social welfare and services, governance, education, alienation, health, and others. The course explores these issues in the context of globalisation, using specific illustrative case study material primarily from South African post-1994 industrial society, while drawing illuminating material from other national and transnational situations.

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SOC3031S SOCIAL JUSTICE AND INEQUALITY

Convener: Nkululeko Mabandla

This course examines contemporary international debates on the social discourses and practices that perpetuate injustice and inequality and their relevance to understanding South African society. The literature may include debates on the way discourses create centres and margins, resulting in social differences which, in turn, have a significant impact on people’s life chances. The literature may also include debates on the changing patterns of urban and rural inequality. Who are the winners and losers in today’s society? What are the causes of new patterns of social injustice and inequality? In reading a wide literature, students will be provided with comparative concepts with which they can begin to interpret the emerging patterns of social justice and inequality in South Africa.

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