SCY3816 - Interpretation and meaning in sociology

Leader(s): Dr Vaughan Higgins

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2009 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Singapore First semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit explores the significance of micro-social approaches to sociological inquiry. Using the distinction between macro- and micro-sociological perspectives as a guiding framework, students will engage with a range of questions such as: How do we attribute meaning to objects and experiences in everyday life? In what ways are orderly interactions with others achieved? How do we come to think of ourselves as having particular capacities and forms of identity? Why do some forms of human conduct become an institutionalised part of social life whereas others do not? The unit addresses such questions through engagement with various micro-sociological theories and applied empirical research.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students will have:

1. acquired a broad understanding of micro-sociological approaches, and their relationship to macro-sociological theorising;
2. an understanding of the various ways in which sociologists theorise micro-social phenomena;
3. the capacity to identify, and differentiate between, different micro-sociological theories and concepts;
4. the capacity to critically analyze the merits and limitations of different micro-sociological approaches;
5. gained skills in the written presentation of an argument, including the ways in which sociologists incorporate and acknowledge the ideas of other writers.

Assessment

Article Review (1000 words): 25%
Essay (1,500 words): 35%
Examination (2 hours): 40%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites

Two second-year sociology units

Prohibitions

GSC3202