Sociology

Introductory Notes
The Sociology Program has a strong teaching and research base in the areas of Intercultural studies (encapsulating the areas of multiculturalism, migration, Asian societies and indigenous peoples), Social Policy, Women's studies and Contemporary Social and Political Thought. Communication studies is also taught as part of our inter-disciplinary connections with the Communication and Cultural Studies Program. The overall approach of Wollongong Sociology centres on the analysis and understanding of the social, political and cultural consequences of people's changing conditions of life. Concern with issues of critical and theoretical analysis and social and public policy underlie the Program's teaching, research and scholarship. The principal focus of the Program is on the sociology of the Australian, European and Asia/Pacific regions, with an emphasis on comparative perspectives.

The undergraduate course seeks to develop in students The Sociological Imagination: those critical and analytical skills which are essential to understanding the social world in which we live. The first year introduces students to this 'Imagination', to the skills required to understand and evaluate sociological argument and to a range of social relations which provide the raw material of the discipline. The second year consists of core and elective subjects. Students who are majoring in the discipline need to successfully complete the three core subjects SOC203, Central Perspectives in Sociological Theory; SOC231, Introduction to Research in Sociology and Soc 306 Sociological Research: Methodology and Practice. In these they are acquainted with the theoretical and methodological tools which will enable them to become competent in sociological analysis, and find jobs as sociology graduates. The Program also offers a range of elective subjects which provide choices focusing on the Program's themes of Intercultural studies, Social Policy, Women's Studies and Contemporary Social and Political Thought. The third year of undergraduate studies allows students to develop further their research and theoretical skills and/or specialise in particular areas.

Major Study: A major in Sociology consists of at least 12 credit points of Sociology at 100-level including at least one of SOC103 and SOC104; 24 credit points at 200-level including SOC203 and SOC231; 24 credit points at 300-level including SOC306.

NOTE: For the purpose of the Sociology Major GENE215 and AUST246 may be counted as subjects in Sociology.

Postgraduate Studies in Sociology

Students should consult the Postgraduate Calendar for details of course structure and content.

BA (Hons) in Sociology
Students majoring in Sociology are encouraged to consider undertaking the Honours program. Entry into the 4th Year BA (Hons) program in Sociology is normally available to students who attain a High Credit average in two 300-level Sociology subjects. Students who may be considering Sociology Honours should consult with the Head of Program at their earliest convenience during their second or third year of Sociology study.

The curriculum for Honours is set out under the 400-level entry.

A number of options are available for students to complete Combined Honours in Sociology and another discipline, eg. History, Psychology, STS, CCS,Geography or English. Students wishing to consider this option should first consult with the Heads of both Programs. If possible, this should be done during the second year.

 

100-Level
SOC101	Society and Culture
SOC102	Contemporary Art and Society
SOC103	Sociology 1A: Aspects of Australian Society
SOC104	Sociology 1B: Communication, Media and Society
SOC111	Sociological Dimensions of Nursing
200-Level
AUST246	A Sociology of Australia's Indigenous People: Contemporary Issues and Debates
GENE215	Women in Society: Productive and Reproductive Labour
SOC203	Central Perspectives in Sociological Theory
SOC204	Culture, Power and Social Change
SOC205	Sociology of the Family
SOC221	Political Sociology
SOC222	Sociology of Crime and Justice
SOC231	Introduction to Research in Sociology
SOC241	Culture and Communication
SOC242	Contemporary Issues in Society
SOC243	Southeast Asian Transformations
SOC244	The Sociology of Punishment
300-Level
SOC302	Contemporary Social and Political Thought
SOC303	The Individual in Society
SOC305	Race and Ethnic Studies
SOC306	Sociological Research: Methodology and Practice
SOC307	Urban Society
SOC308	Social Policy
SOC309	Social Movements
SOC318	Sociology of Development
SOC324	Time, Work and Leisure
SOC330	The Sociology of Gender Relations
SOC334	Bread and Circuses
SOC341	Special Topic in Sociology
SOC349	Social Regulation: Policies and Issues
SOC359	Community Research
400-Level #
SOC400	Sociology IV Honours
SOC450	Joint Honours in Psychology and Sociology
SOC451	Joint Honours in Sociology and Another Discipline

Note 1:
A major in Sociology consists of at least 12 credit points of Sociology at 100-level including at least one of SOC103 and SOC104; 24 credit points at 200-level including SOC203 and SOC231; 24 credit points at 300-level (including SOC306).

Note 2:
For the purpose of the Sociology Major GENE215 may be counted as subjects in Sociology.

Joint Majors in Sociology and Other Disciplines/Faculties
A number of options are available for students to complete joint majors in Sociology and another discipline, eg. Aboriginal Studies, CCS, Health Science, Human Geography, Legal Studies, and STS. Students wishing to consider these options should first consult with the Heads of both Programs.

Joint Major in Sociology and Science and Technology Studies (STS)

This joint major is intended for students whose main disciplinary interest is in the sociology of science and technology. The joint major provides both depth in sociological theory and examination of a range of issues in science and technology. It is a joint major rather than a double major. However, by taking additional subjects in STS and Sociology the joint major can be converted into a double major. There are a total of 94 compulsory cp within the program, 24 at 100-level, 32 at 200-level and 28 at 300-level.

Sociology requirements: At 100-level, students must do 12 cp of Sociology subjects at 100-level, including at least one of SOC103 Sociology 1A or SOC104 Sociology 1B.

At 200-level, students must do SOC203 Central Themes in Sociological Theory and SOC231 Social Research Methods A.

At 300-level, students must do SOC306 Social Research Methods B and one of SOC308 Social Policy; SOC309 Social Movements; SOC324 Time, Work and Leisure.

STS requirements: 38 cp of STS, including STS100 Social Aspects of Science & Technology or STS229 Scientific and Technological Controversy, with at least 16 cp at 300-level.

To convert this joint major into a double major a student would need to complete a further 8 cp in the Sociology Program at 200-level and a further 12 cp in the STS Program at 300-level.

Sociology/Health Science - Refer to Health and Behavioural Sciences Schedule.

For details of textbooks, materials and/or subject co-ordinators please contact the Program.