Stigma is a powerful form of exclusion and discrimination attached to identities, bodies, practices and communities. This course examines stigmatisation as a form of social control that reproduces inequality. At the same time, it emphasises how individuals and groups actively resist stigmatisation and transform the way differences are understood and valued. The course introduces sociological theories of stigma, from early work on social discrediting to recent accounts of state coercion. These ideas will be explored through case studies such as mental illness, disability, bodily practices, criminalisation and poverty.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand social theories of stigma, power and resistance;
- evaluate the strengths and limitations of different theories of stigma, power and resistance;
- apply theories of stigma, power and resistance in order to investigate and analyse specific case studies;
- communicate evidence-based arguments about stigma, power and resistance drawing on course content; and
- reflect on and discuss course content and themes with peers.
Indicative Assessment
- In class writing activity (formative assessment with feedback before census date) (500 words) (0) [LO 1,2]
- In person exam (3 x 500 word responses, total 1,500 words) (35) [LO 1,2,4]
- Research project: choose between 2, 500 word research paper OR15-20 minute podcast with script or outline - in pairs but with an individual 500 word reflection OR15 minute narrated video with script (55) [LO 3,4,5]
- Workshop participation (10) [LO 3,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up of a lectures and workshops, as well as independent student research, reading and writing.
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 1 hour lecture per week, 2 hour workshop per week.
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text. Readings will be available via Canvas.
Assumed Knowledge
A basic understanding of and appreciation for social science and social research. Capacity to complete weekly reading of academic texts.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $4620 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2027 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.