Contemporary Sociological Theory

Subject SOCI30001 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 1.5 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 25 points of Level 1 Sociology, and 37.5 points of Level 2 Sociology.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Sociology at Levels 1 & 2
Non Allowed Subjects: 166-300 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Reza Hasmath

Contact

Dr. Reza Hasmath
Subject Overview:

The subject examines major approaches and debates within contemporary sociological theory, and the different research directions that emerge from these approaches. Beginning with an overview of the classical foundations of sociological theory, the subject explores contemporary sociological theories which engage with questions of power, social order, and conflict. The subject also examines contemporary sociological approaches to critical issues including globalization, individualization, and identity. As the subject proceeds, we will examine how researchers construct, evaluate and modify theory to respond to transformations in social relations and practices. In this way, it will become evident that sociological theory is in a constant process of interaction with everyday social structures, relations and experiences. Students will complete the subject with knowledge of key approaches and debates in contemporary sociological theory, and with the capacity to use sociological theory to construct social research questions.
Objectives:
  • understand key debates and problems within contemporary sociological theory.
  • be able to critically analyse ways sociological theory is used to construct research questions and to analyse contemporary social relations empirically.
  • be able to critically assess major traditions within contemporary sociological theory.
  • be able to use sociological theory to explore dimensions of contemporary social life.
Assessment:

A written essay of 1000 words (25%) due in first half of the semester, a take home test of 1000 words (25%) due mid-semester, and a written essay of 2000 words (50%) due at the end of semester.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment or sit the final examination. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

Contemporary Sociological Theory (Craig Calhoun, Joseph Gerteis, James Moody, Steven Pfaff and Indermohan Virk) Wiley-Blackwell, 2002
Recommended Texts:

Contested Knowledge. Social Theory Today (Steven Seidman) Wiley-Blackwell, 2008 (4th Edition)
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to apply research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry.
  • be able to develop persuasive arguments on a given topic.
  • be able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively and articulately.
Notes:

This Capstone subject is a compulsory requirement for the completion of a Sociology major for students commencing the BA from 2008 onwards.

SOCI30001 Contemporary Sociological Theory is not available as a Breadth subject.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: European Studies
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major

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