Leader: Dr Eva Petersen and Pam Reynolds
Offered
Gippsland First semester 2008 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Singapore First semester 2008 (Off-campus)
Synopsis
This unit is an introduction to the discipline, with a specific focus on using sociology to reflect on everyday life. Through the analysis of substantive social issues and institutions the unit explores the role of a sociological perspective in moving beyond 'common sense' and taken-for-granted understandings of society. Broad topics covered include: the nature of sociological knowledge; experiencing everyday life through gender, family and the body; the relationship between conformity, deviance and social control; and the role of social class and the mass media in shaping how we interpret and understand the world.
Objectives
- Understand the nature of sociological explanation and its difference to other forms of explanation.
- Be able to recognize the different ways in which sociologists theorise and research the social world.
- Be able to apply basic sociological concepts to issues of local and global concern.
- Have gained skills in the written presentation of an argument, including the ways in which sociologists incorporate and acknowledge the ideas of other writers.
- Begin to develop a critical, questioning approach to reading/assessing sociological material that provides a sound basis for further study in the discipline
Assessment
Assignment 1 (1000 words): 25%
Long Essay (1500 words): 35%
Examination (2 hours): 40%
Contact hours
3 hours (1 x 2 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week
