Sociology

Sociology is the study of social life, cultural and social change and the social causes and consequences of human behaviour. By acquiring sociological skills students develop the ability to analyse a wide variety of social processes, institutions, causes of social change and the structures of groups and societies. Specific areas of study for sociologists include gender and social class, crime and punishment, race and ethnicity, the family, welfare and education reform, everyday life experiences, social movements, social change in Asia, sport and entertainment, and youth and popular culture. In a rapidly changing world sociology offers distinctive perspectives that contribute solutions to complex problems covering issues such as social inequality, globalisation, criminal justice and racism. Sociology is an exciting discipline with expanding opportunities for a wide range of career paths.

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. Students who are majoring in the discipline need to successfully complete either SOC103 Aspects of Australian Society or SOC104 Communication, Media and Society, and SOC203 Explaining Society, SOC231 Social Analysis and SOC306 Researching Everyday Life.

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 Honours Co-ordinator for the School of Social Sciences, Media and Communication 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 Honours Co-ordinator of the School. 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 in either SOC103 or SOC104
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.

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 Explaining Society and SOC231 Social Analysis.

At 300-level, students must do SOC306 Researching Everyday Life 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.