INOV812 Topics in Social Entrepreneurship
This unit is not presently being offered by Macquarie University.
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Description
The Social Economy is a major and essential component of
modern western society. Despite all the economic and technical
progress we still find people and communities that are in trouble
and need help. At the other end of the spectrum, much of the
richness of modern society is due to the work of social economy organisations
in their pursuit of the arts, sport and community.
This unit will provide a 'hands on' experience of the social economy. Each
week we will take a charter bus and visit a different organisation and hear their
story and that of the cause that they pursue. We will investigate real
problems and engage with acting practitioners to explore important issues facing
society today.
Supporting each visit, will be assigned readings that will provide both background
and theoretical structure to the visit and subsequent reflections. Assessment
will be determined largely from the quality of contribution to online discussions
that will explore the issues raised and your own online reflective journal.
Assumed knowledge
There is no assumed prior knowledge for this unit
Topics
The type of topics/issues that we will explore will include:
- The prison system - what's it like to be inside?
- Homelessness – the issues and responses
- Refugees and their assimilation
- Urban housing estates – the good and the bad
- The realities of leading volunteer dominated organisations
- Non-profits with for-profit subsidiaries – clash of cultures?
- The employment & welfare system - issues and responses
- Youth suicide - issues and responses
- Philanthropic organisations and decision making
- Corporate social responsibility – the role of business?
- Government (local, state and/or federal) - how does it really tick?
- Arts organisations – what's it like to start a major new organisation?
- Indigenous issues - issues and responses
- Drugs and drug policy - issues and responses
Assessment
Online dialogue 50% Class dialogue (on the bus) 20% Reflective journal 30%
Textbook and Readings
TBA
Staff
Offered
Semester Two - Day