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Monash University

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Sociology - Faculty of Arts

This area of study is offered by two separate schools of the faculty - the School of Political and Social Inquiry at Caulfield and Clayton and the School of Humanities, Communications and Social Sciences at Gippsland (including off-campus learning) - there are differences in the information, sequences and units offered in each school. Please see the separate entries for each of these schools below.

Offered by the School of Political and Social Inquiry

Campus availability: Caulfield, Clayton

Relevant courses

  • 2457 Diploma in Arts (Sociology)
  • 0002 Bachelor of Arts (and associated double degrees)
  • 3910 Bachelor of Arts (Global)
  • 0202 Bachelor of Letters

The focus of sociological teaching and research is the study of industrial and post-industrial societies in a global context. It involves the investigation of diverse human groups, communities, institutions and organisations, and the networks of meaning and association that link individuals and groups to the broader social structures of such societies. The wide range of units available is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore broad theoretical and methodological issues. Sociology employs both classical and contemporary perspectives and uses a diverse range of interpretive, analytical and research skills in order to develop a critical understanding of the social institutions and processes of industrial and post-industrial societies.

Introductory sociology introduces students to a variety of perspectives and substantive areas of sociology: socialisation, deviance, the family, sexualities and gender, industrialisation and globalisation, class and social inequality. In later years, sociological theories and methods are examined in greater detail. A wide range of electives are available: sexuality and gender; men and masculinity; families labour and intimacy, youth and social change; ethnicity and minority relations; population and migration; multiculturalism and globalisation; women and madness; social psychology; children and society; and sociological theory and sociological research (both qualitative and quantitative). Many of these substantive units give students an understanding of the diverse aspects of Australian culture in its global context.

Sequences

First-year sequence

A first-year sequence consists of SCY1100 and SCY1200.

Minor sequence

A minor sequence in sociology normally consists of a first-year sequence in sociology and a minimum of 12 points at second year level.

Major sequence

Students complete a standard major chosen from units listed below, and including at least one theory unit (see List A) and one research methods unit (see List B). Students are encouraged to take these core units in second year, but they may also be taken as third year units.

Students may choose a maximum of 12 points from the electives listed.

Units

List A: Theory options

List B: Methods options

First-year level

Second/Third-year level

Students may choose a maximum of 12 points from the following elective list:

Contact details

Enquiries (Clayton): room W1017, west wing, Menzies building
Telephone +61 3 9905 2443

Enquiries (Caulfield): room H5.31, building H
Telephone +61 3 9903 2378

Email psi@arts.monash.edu.au

Visit http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/psi

 

Offered by the School of Humanities, Communication and Social Sciences

Campus availability: Gippsland, Off-campus learning

Relevant courses

  • 2457 Diploma in Arts (Sociology)
  • 0002 Bachelor of Arts (and associated double degrees)
  • 1712 Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

Sociology is the study of social life. Since all human behaviour is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organised crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the large-scale issues of global development and social change to the more immediate issues of everyday relationships within our family, friends and communities. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Its broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge makes sociology one of the most versatile and valuable university majors.

Sequences

First-year sequence

A first-year sequence consists of SCY1801 and SCY1802.

Minor sequence

Students complete a standard minor chosen from units listed below.

Major sequence

Students complete a standard major chosen from units listed below, and including the two first year core units, one research methods unit and two theory units.

NOTE: the core sociology offerings have been extended and redeveloped since 2003 - students who commenced prior to 2004 should contact staff in the sociology program to confirm what core units are required.

Units

Research methods

One of:

Theory

Both of:

  • SCY3815 Structure and analysis in sociology
  • SCY3816 Interpretation and meaning in sociology

First-year level

  • SCY1801 Sociological reflections on everyday life
  • SCY1802 Global sociology

Second/Third-year level

Contact details

Enquiries (Gippsland): Room 283, building 2W

Telephone +61 3 9902 6339

Email humcass.info@arts.monash.edu.au

Visit http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/humcass