Sociology

The Sociology program introduces students to the three vital areas of study in social science: research methods, social and public policy and social theory. Research methods subjects stress the ability to formulate specific and relevant research questions and the acquisition of skills in teamwork, project development and report writing. Policy subjects also emphasise an understanding of contemporary Australian society and the development of policy writing, lobbying, evaluation and analysis. Social theory is essential for any meaningful analysis of the complexities of everyday life. Theory makes possible critical reflections on taken-for-granted aspects of contemporary societies.

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, Sociological Theories; SOC231, Introduction to Social Research and SOC306 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.

Honours
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.

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.

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

Major Study
A major in Sociology consists of at least 54 credit points:

1. at least 6 credit points of Sociology at 100-level;
2. at least 24 credit points at 200-level including SOC203 and SOC231 and an elective from Sociology subjects or a subject chosen from the list of other approved subjects at 200-level listed below;
3. 24 credit points at 300-level including SOC306 and one other SOC subject. The remaining 8 credit points may be a SOC subject or a subject from the list of other approved subjects at 300-level listed below.

 

100-Level
SOC103	Aspects of Australian Society	6
SOC104	Communication, Media and Society	6
200-Level
SOC203	Developing Sociological Theories	8
SOC204	Culture, Power and Social Change	8
SOC205	Sociology of the Family	8
SOC221	Political Sociology	8
SOC222	Sociology of Crime and Justice	8
SOC231	Introduction to Social Research	8
SOC241	Culture and Communication	8
SOC242	Contemporary Issues in Society	8
SOC243	Contesting Asia: Culture, Diversity, Difference	8
SOC244	Punishment: Purpose, Practice, Policy	8
Other approved 200-level subjects (students may include one subject in the Sociology major)
AUST246	A Sociology of Australia's Indigenous People: Contemporary Issues and  Debates	8
HIST287	Southeast Asian Transformations	8
PHIL232	Political Philosophy	8
PHIL286	Philosophy of Social Science	8
POL224	Politics and the Media	8
POL290	Women in Society: Productive and Reproductive Labour	8
300-Level
SOC302	Contemporary Social and Political Thought	8
SOC303	The Individual in Society	8
SOC305	Race and Ethnic Studies	8
SOC306	Sociological Research: Methodology and Practice	8
SOC307	Urban Society	8
SOC308	Social and Public Policy	8
SOC309	Social Movements	8
SOC318	Sociology of Development	8
SOC330	The Sociology of Gender Relations	8
SOC334	Bread and Circuses	8
SOC341	Special Topics in Sociology	8
SOC349	Social Regulation: Policies and Issues	8
Other approved 300-Level subjects (students may include one subject in the Sociology major)
PHIL390	Contemporary Political Philosophy	8
POL314	Power and the Modern State	8
POL318	The Asian Tigers: Newly Industrialising Countries in Transition	8
POL319	Political Economy in the New Millennium	8
400-Level #
SOC400	Sociology IV Honours	48
SOC450	Joint Honours in Psychology and Sociology	48
SOC451	Joint Honours in Sociology and Another Discipline	48

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, Technology and Society (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 76 compulsory cp within the program.

Sociology requirements: At 100-level, students must do 6cp of Sociology subjects at 100-level, including at least one of SOC103 or SOC104.

At 200-level, students must do SOC203 Developing Sociological Theories and SOC231 Introduction to Social Research.

At 300-level, students must do SOC306 Sociological Research and one other Sociology subject

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 8cp in the STS Program at 300-level.

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