SOCA3230
10 units
3000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course provides an introduction to the sociological and anthropological study of identities and cultures. It examines key issues in identity, including gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and social class, and discusses how these are experienced and contested in societies like Australia. It also shows how political struggles such as feminist and post-colonial movements have impacted on identity. At the end of the course students will have a broad critical understanding of social scientific theories of identity and the role of identity politics in everyday life.
Availability
Online
- Semester 2 - 2022
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Investigate a range of social scientific approaches to identities and cultures in contemporary Australia.
2. Assess and apply relevant theoretical perspectives for understanding contemporary social and political debates about identity.
3. Apply social scientific theory to a case study identifying shifts in contemporary identities.
4. Employ advanced skills in written academic expression and essay-writing.
Content
Course topics include:
- Theories of identity
- Identity in face to face interaction
- Class, inequality and identity
- Gender, sexuality and the body
- Race, post-colonialism and identity
- Youth subcultures and scenes
- Nationalism, multiculturalism and identity
- Mediated and social identities
Assumed knowledge
40 units of study at 1000 level.
Assessment items
Essay: Essay (30%)
Project: Podcast (30%)
Quiz: 4 x online quizzes (40%)
Contact hours
Online
Seminar
Online 2 hour(s) per Week for 12 Weeks
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.