The focus of sociology (SCY subjects) teaching is on the study of industrial societies. It involves the investigation of human groups, communities, institutions and organisations, and the networks of meaning and association which link individuals and groups to the broader social structures of such societies. The wide range of subjects available is designed to provide opportunities to explore broad theoretical and methodological issues, to acquire research skills, and to develop an understanding of the institutions and processes of industrial society. Emphasis is placed on the research process (the careful description of human social order, the development of theories and research strategies designed to test and apply theories) as the means by which sociology as a discipline advances. Many of the substantive subjects give students an understanding of Australian society in its comparative context.
The introductory year sets the pattern for later years. It attempts to illustrate some of the perspectives and methods of the discipline by examining their relevance to some of the more important substantive areas of society, including the study of social inequality, gender, the family, deviance, power and the state. The second year seeks to deepen this approach. Theories and methods are examined in greater detail. In the third year a wide range of options covering theory, methods and a variety of substantive areas are offered from which students may choose.
An honours year is available in sociology and the department also offers coursework masters programs in a variety of specialised areas, as well as postgraduate research degrees.
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