This course addresses the paradox that, although we are shaped by powerful social forces, we have a sense of ourselves as autonomous individuals. It shows how this sense of individual selfhood is of recent origin, associated with the development of modern society. It also explores how individuals confront unfamiliar institutional environments to show that the 'sociological imagination' can help us come to terms with every day experiences. Throughout the unit, we will use historical and comparative research in order to question the taken-for-granted assumption that the way we organise our lives is the 'natural' way human beings shape their interactions.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
There are several aims of the course;
- To introduce you to the 'sociological imagination' through helping you reflect on the way your everyday life is organised (ranging from your work experience and possible futures, your leisure life and your home life);
- To use sociological concepts in order to interpret the experience of the transition to university;
- To question our 'taken-for-granted' assumptions of how the world around us functions;
- To raise awareness of a wide range of perspectives and theories that can be used to explain modern social change;
- To introduce you to different fields of sociology that you will encounter in later years at university;
- To enhance the study skills that will serve you as a foundation for a successful and rewarding life as a Social Science student, including reading skills, information literacy skills, research skills, and writing skills;
- To use small-group tutorial discussion in order to ensure that you understand the key issues raised in the lectures and in the course readings.
- To use the assessment scheme to provide you with an opportunity to a) demonstrate your ability to think and read critically; b) be familiar with course themes; and c) present a persuasive argument backed up with examples.
Indicative Assessment
500 word exercise (10%), essay plan (10%), tutorial participation (10%), research essay 2000 words(40%) and synoptic essay 1500 words (30%).
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
Two one-hour lectures and one one-hour tutorial.
Offered every year.
Lectures will be taped and will be available on WebCT
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and 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). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $2718 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3876 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2079 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
