Contemporary Sociological Theory

Subject SOCI30001 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

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

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 1 x 1.5 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment:

Total of 120 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Sociology at Levels 1 & 2

Non Allowed Subjects: None
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/

Contact

Dr. Dan Woodman

dan.woodman@unimelb.edu.au

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.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • 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 in the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. 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.


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:

On completion of this subject students should:

  • 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:

SOCI30001 Contemporary Sociological Theory is available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology
Anthropology
European Studies
Social Theory
Social Theory
Social Theory Major
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major

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