units

ATS1367

Faculty of Arts

Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
OfferedBerwick First semester 2012 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2012 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2012 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)Dr Harry Ballis

Notes

Previously coded SCY1801

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.

Outcomes

  1. Understand the nature of sociological explanation and its difference to other forms of explanation.
  2. Be able to recognize the different ways in which sociologists theorise and research the social world.
  3. Be able to apply basic sociological concepts to issues of local and global concern.
  4. Have gained skills in the written presentation of an argument, including the ways in which sociologists incorporate and acknowledge the ideas of other writers.
  5. Begin to develop a critical, questioning approach to reading/assessing sociological material that provides a sound basis for further study in the discipline

Assessment

Written work: 60% (2500 words)
2 hour Exam: 40%

Chief examiner(s)

Harry Ballis

Contact hours

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

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Sociology

Prohibitions

GSC1201, SCY1801