Course handbook
Description
This course is concerned with contemporary social and cultural theory and the ways it is entangled in emerging research themes in sociology, anthropology, and intersecting fields. Social Lab explores ideas of theory as always present, even in our most rudimentary thinking. In bringing together emerging research themes and 'theory labs' at key points in the semester, we will explore strategies for thinking with and against , writing about, using, and engaging theoretical texts. Social Lab prepares students for further encounters with social theory in Honours and Postgraduate research and in the 'world beyond'.
Availability2021 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2021
Replacing course(s)
This course replaces the following course(s): SOCA3750. Students who have successfully completed SOCA3750 are not eligible to enrol in SOCA3780.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Explore the relationships between ‘the theoretical’ and ‘the empirical’ in both conventional and experimental ways.
2. Identify theory in new research and discuss in the 'theory lab'.
3. Analyse the tactics and techniques authors use to contend with theory through written reflections.
4. Generate an emergent research agenda and propose crucial areas for future research.
Content
Topics will include:
- Three key themes (3 topics each): place (belonging, cosmopolitanism, race), body (mobilities, organs/tissue, interspecies connections), and matter (data, infrastructure, commodities).
- Extracting theory and engaging in debates in 'theory labs' (3 during semester).
- Discussion of the methodologies and methods required for pushing methodological boundaries in social research.
Assumed knowledge
SOCA1010, SOCA1020, SOCS2200
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Theory Lab Analysis: Part 1 (20%)
Written Assignment: Theory Lab Analysis: Part 2 (35%)
Written Assignment: Theory Lab Analysis: Part 3 + Research Agenda (45%)
Contact hours
Callaghan
Lectorial
Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per Week for 12 Weeks starting in week 1
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