Available in 2024
Course code

SOCS2200

Units

10 units

Level

2000 level

Course handbook

Description

In this course students examine key topics and perspectives in the social sciences and apply these concepts to contemporary social problems and trends. The course covers theory and contemporary research on: class, culture and inequality; institutions and social control; concepts of identity including classed and gendered identities; the nature of embodied experience; globalisation and social change; the relationship between science and society; and other topics to be developed in collaboration with students.


Availability2024 Course Timetables

Callaghan

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Ourimbah

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Online

  • Semester 1 - 2024

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe a range of social theories and research relevant to the Social Sciences.

2. Compare and contrast social theories informed by the relevant literature.

3. Apply the insights of social theory to professional practice in the Social Sciences.

4. Demonstrate effective communication of social theories at an intermediate level.


Content

Topics in this course may include:

  1. Concepts of ‘late modernity’ examining globalisation, identity and social change.
  2. The relationship between social inequalities and culture, including distinctions between, popular / high culture and consumption patterns in food, music and other areas.
  3. The impact of institutional ideas on identities, including the role of expert ideas in the creation of identities and the practice of social control.
  4. A focus on the body, including how society shapes the sensations and tactile experiences of social life.
  5. A practical exploration of how sociological concepts apply to important social problems such as social inequality, unemployment, health and wellbeing, changing social and intimate relationships.

Assumed knowledge

40 units of study at 1000 level.


Assessment items

Quiz: Online quizzes

Essay: Essay

Project: Podcast


Contact hours

Semester 1 - 2024 - Callaghan

Lectorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1

Semester 1 - 2024 - Ourimbah

Lectorial-1
  • Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1

Semester 1 - 2024 - Online

Lectorial-1
  • Online 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1

Course outline