SCY2100 - Social Theory

Leader: Michael Ure

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2007 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit aims to introduce students to some of the key theoretical perspectives in classical and contemporary sociology. We begin with a critical account of the early divergent traditions of Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as well as twentieth century action theories. We move on to a critical analysis of the more contemporary perspectives of structuralism, poststructuralism, feminisms, and the debates about risk society and post versus late modernity.

Objectives

Students who study this unit:

• will acquire knowledge about a broad range of sociological theories, both classical and contemporary, as alternative and differing approaches to analysing social relations, and hence will gain an understanding of how sociological knowledge has developed over time;

• will learn to critique certain accepted social theories and learn how to question dominant ideas and assumptions;

• will develop their oral and written skills in order to analyse theoretical material.

Assessment

Essay (3 - 3500 words): 60%;
test (1 - 1500): 25%;
Tutorial participation: 15%.

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prerequisites

A first year sequence in Sociology or permission

Prohibitions

SCY3100