aos
Students who commenced study in 2013 should refer to this area of study entry for direction on the requirments; to check which units are currently available for enrolment, refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your area of study.
This area of study entry applies to students commencing this course in 2013 and should be read in conjunction with the relevant course entry in the Handbook. Any units listed for this area of study relate only to the 'Requirements' outlined in the Faculty of Arts component of any bachelors double degrees.
Managing faculty | Faculty of Arts |
---|---|
Offered by | School of Applied Media and Social Sciences School of Arts School of Political and Social Inquiry |
Campus(es) | Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland, South Africa |
Notes
The focus of sociological teaching and research is the study of contemporary 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. Sociologists focus on social structures, cultures and processes of change. Sociologists examine class, gender, ethnicity, power and culture to understand the differences in how people live, think and feel.
Sociology is a versatile major, providing useful background for students intending to work in areas such as social policy, research and journalism. 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, manyof which give students an understanding of the diverse aspects of Australian culture in its global context.
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, organisations, 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.
Human behaviours and the context in which they are expressed are interesting to observe but complex to understand. The nature, structure and dynamics of human social interactions are the subject-matter of sociology. The sociological enterprise is to understand the flux and contradictions that characterise human societies and for this reason, sociology is not just a 'living' course, but also a dynamic and reflexive one. The reflexivity of sociology therefore, foists on both practitioners and students a unique opportunity to engage in an intellectual discourse to unveil the embedded matrix that mask the ever evolving complexity of human societies. This enterprise however, goes beyond the mere fulfillment of human curiosity; rather it is a genuine enterprise to contribute to the development of society by proffering perceptive solutions that will guide political leaders and policy makers. Students of sociology are therefore prepared to understand the nature, constituents, and structure of social institutions and how they interact to produce functional or dysfunctional whole. Specifically, students explore the broad issues of the family as a traditional institution and other alternatives; intimate relationships; the media and sexuality; power and gender relations; social justice; and the sociology of health and illness behaviour among other topics.
Students studying a sequence in sociology must complete the following two units (12 points):
Students studying a minor or major in sociology must have completed the first-year sequence. In addition:
A maximum of two 'additional elective' units (12 points) can be taken.
*This unit is also a core unit for behavioural studies. Students doing minors/majors in both behavioural studies and sociology will need to choose another unit to make up credit points for both; a unit cannot be counted twice towards separate minors/majors.
* This unit is also a core unit for gender studies. Students doing minors/majors in both gender studies and sociology will need to choose another unit to make up credit points for both; a unit cannot be counted twice towards separate minors/majors.
Students can also choose a maximum of two units (12 points) from the following:
Students studying a sequence in sociology must complete the following two units (12 points):
*Students who have already completed ATS1898 in a first-year-level sequence in history-politics can complete another first-year-level arts unit to meet course requirements. A unit cannot be counted twice towards separate minors/majors.
Students studying a minor or major in sociology must have completed the first-year sequence. In addition:
One of:
Note: Students who have completed SCY3815 and/or SCY3816 have completed the theory requirement and are not able to complete ATS2855/ATS3855.
* This unit is also a core unit for psychological studies. Students doing minors/majors in both psychological studies and sociology will need to choose another unit to meet course requirements; a unit cannot be counted twice towards separate minors/majors.
Students studying a sequence in sociology must complete the following two units (12 points):
Students studying a minor or major in sociology must have completed the first-year sequence. In addition:
List A: Reseach options
Elective units: