Introduction to sociology A
BT BW AW BS BV DT DN GA PA BC BP BDT BJ BY
Lyle Munro and Ian Hamilton
Subject value of 1.0 (6 points) * 3 hours per week * First semester * Gippsland/Distance
This subject is designed to give students a broad introduction to sociology. The following topics will be covered: (a) introducing sociology, including the origins of the discipline, the nature of sociological knowledge, and the sociological imagination; (b) the mass media as a source of cultural information and an important resource for the community as well as for individuals and social groups; (c) the family as the foundation of identity and a major influence on the social construction of life chances; (d) the importance of schooling and education in shaping the life chances of individuals; (e) sociological theory and social action, using such concepts as social structure, socialisation, class, culture, gender, and power to explore functionalist, conflict and interpretive perspectives in sociology.
Assessment
Assignments one (1000 words): 20% * Assignment two (2000 words): 40% * Final examination: 40%
Prescribed texts
Furze B and Stafford C (eds) Society and change Macmillan, 1994
Sargent M The new sociology for Australians Longman, 1994
Willis E The sociological quest: An introduction to the study of social life Allen and Unwin, 1993