ATS1365 - Introduction to sociology - 2018

Sociology is a rich and diverse discipline in the social sciences. Policy makers, politicians, the community sector, those in the media and creative industries - to name a few - draw on sociological understandings of social life to help them address social problems and understand the world. The unit introduces students to the concepts and approaches used by sociologists to analyse the contemporary social world. In particular, students will learn to apply sociological frameworks to the key debates and dilemmas we face in contemporary life, and to examine various patterns of diversity, inequality and social change in society. This unit also considers the role that class, gender, age, culture, religion, and other structural factors play in shaping the lives of everyday people in society.

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. identify and explain the key concepts and perspectives used in sociological analysis
2. critically reflect on and analyse the structural factors that influence how people experience everyday life
3. locate and evaluate scholarly sociological sources
4. communicate ideas and arguments in a variety of formats
5. use evidence to construct coherent and organised written assignments.

Within semester assessment: 70% + Exam: 30%

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

Sociology