ATS3855 - Making sense of the social world - 2017

This unit examines the different theories which sociologists use to make sense of the social world. We explore the classical works of the founding fathers (Durkheim, Marx and Weber) and the ongoing legacies of each. The unit also engages with contemporary perspectives and considers how sociologists grapple with important sociological issues such as power, meaning, inequality and social change.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will have:

1. acquired a broad understanding of classical and contemporary sociological theories;
2. The capacity to identify, and differentiate between, different sociological theories and concepts;
3. the capacity to critically analyse the merits and limitations of different sociological approaches;
4. gained skills in the written presentation of an argument, including the ways in which sociologists incorporate and acknowledge the ideas of other writers; and
5. gained experience in applying sociological theory to current social issues.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Naomi Smith

ATS2381 or ATS2597

ATS2855, GSC3201, GSC3202, SCY3815, SCY3816