This course investigates key contemporary theoretical approaches in Sociology. It exposes students to classical Sociological theories and to more recent theoretical interventions. Students will be introduced to some of Sociology's founding themes and will gain an historical perspective on ideas such as 'society', 'the social', and 'social science'. We will also look at some contemporary characterisations of society as, for example, 'urban' or 'biopolitical', and will consider the question of how sociology today can demonstrate its relevance to the world at large, with a special focus on debates about Public Sociology.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various theoretical approaches;
- choose the most appropriate approach for a specific problem;
- apply theory as a tool for the investigation of social issues; and
- develop an appreciation for theoretical pluralism.
Indicative Assessment
- Three short papers, 750 words each (10% each for a total of 30%) (30) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Oral Presentation to Honours Cohort, 15 minutes (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final research essay (5000 words) (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Oral Presentation to School of Sociology, 15 minutes (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
260 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 12 hours of lectures, and 24 hours of seminars; and,
b) 224 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
The readings are chosen and updated each year by the convener to reflect evolving theoretical debates in sociology.
Assumed Knowledge
Completion of a cognate major.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 12 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $8160 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $10560 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2637 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
