Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis This subject is designed to give students a broad introduction to sociology. The following topics will be covered: (a) introducing sociology, including the origins of the discipline, the nature of sociological knowledge, and the sociological imagination; (b) the mass media as a source of cultural information and an important resource for the community as well as for individuals and social groups; (c) the family as the foundation of identity and a major influence on the social construction of life chances; (d) the importance of schooling and education in shaping the life chances of individuals; (e) sociological theory and social action, using such concepts as social structure, socialisation, class, culture, gender, and power to explore functionalist, conflict and interpretive perspectives in sociology.
Assessment Assignment one (1000 words): 20% + Assignment two (2000 words): 40% + Final examination: 40%