• Class Number 4250
  • Term Code 3230
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • AsPr Paul K. Jones
  • LECTURER
    • AsPr Paul K. Jones
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 21/02/2022
  • Class End Date 27/05/2022
  • Census Date 31/03/2022
  • Last Date to Enrol 28/02/2022
SELT Survey Results

The course will critically examine the sociological theories of Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, along with other pertinent figures. Two major foci are: (i) the study of primary texts and (ii) the introduction of the dynamically hybrid and contested traditions that are associated with these thinkers. The social and intellectual contexts of these 'classical' yet hybrid sociological traditions will be introduced, including their evident influence on contemporary sociology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. comprehend and evaluate relevant primary texts;
  2. analyse and interpret complex social theories;
  3. understand the hybrid and contested legacies of social theoretical traditions and related debates;
  4. apply relevant concepts and methods embedded within these intellectual traditions to contemporary social issues; and
  5. communicate such analysis, interpretation and understanding in both oral and written forms of argument.

Required Resources

All required readings will be available as scans or online books and articles held by Library. Links to Library collection will be provided in Wattle.


There is no required textbook for course but such books will be listed as recommended resources.

Secondary resources are also provided by mainly online means in Library reserve collection.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
  • Written comments
  • Verbal comments
  • Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

The information provided is a preliminary Class Outline. A finalised version will be available on Wattle and will be accessible after enrolling in this course. All updates, changes and further information will be uploaded on the course Wattle site and will not be updated on Programs and Courses throughout the semester. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Course Convenor.

Class Schedule

Week/Session Summary of Activities Assessment
1 (Please note this schedule may undergo minor changes in delivery) Introduction: why ‘classical’? ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
2 Early Models of Sociology ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
3 Marx: critique and socio-political analysis ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
4 From Marx to Weber ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
5 Weber: vocational calling and sociology ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
6 Weber: calling and rationalization ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
7 Weber & charisma ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
8 Public Sphere – inclusions and exclusions Pt 1 ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
9 Public Sphere – inclusions and exclusions Pt 2 ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
11 Social Solidarity for Durkheim & Neo-Durkheimians ongoing active participation in tutorial reading
12 Durkheimians Concluded & Course Conclusion ongoing active participation in tutorial reading

Tutorial Registration

via Wattle

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Learning Outcomes
Short Essay (for due date see Wattle) 40 % 1, 3, 5
Research Essay (for due date see Wattle) 50 % 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Tutorial Work 10 % 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

see tutorial work above

Assessment Task 1

Value: 40 %
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 5

Short Essay (for due date see Wattle)

2000 words (+/- 10%). There will be a single topic for all students. Guide including grading criteria provided via Wattle.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 50 %
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Research Essay (for due date see Wattle)

2500 words (+/- 10%). Students can choose from a selection of topics. Guide including grading criteria provided via Wattle.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 10 %
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Tutorial Work

Tutorial sessions play a pivotal role in this 'primary' readings-based course. Tutorial size will be kept deliberately smaller than many other courses for this reason. It is important that students familiarize themselves with each reading and be ready to discuss it, including especially feeling free to raise issues of comprehension and interpretation. At least 80% attendance is expected.


Each student (alone or with one other student) will be allocated a tutorial to which they will be required to make a brief introduction/facilitation outlining the key points from a required reading to that week. This will contribute to the Tutorial Work mark. A facilitation is primarily the taking on of the role of ‘discussion leader’, not that of becoming an ‘instant expert’ on the material. More than anything else I am interested in your honest reaction to the set reading in terms of (i) any difficulties in comprehension (ii) your reaction to the argument(s) within the reading (iii) any links you can make to the lecture material in the course, including putting the tutor/lecturer on the spot! The facilitation is only introductory and facilitators are not expected to 'run' the whole tutorial. That is the task of the tutor-convenor.


Tutorials (even via zoom) also enable students to socialize with peers and develop friendships, raise questions, exchange ideas, complete tasks and prepare for assessments. Tutorial-related activities comprise 10% of the overall assessment mark for this course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

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.

Hardcopy Submission

No hardcopy submissions are required for this course.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

via Turnitin

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Permitted until due date in Turnitin. Some students find 'test submissions' useful in developing citation practices.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
AsPr Paul K. Jones
paul.jones@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Demagogic Populism and the fate of the public sphere; cultural sociology; media sociology; critical theory; social theory

AsPr Paul K. Jones

By Appointment
By Appointment
AsPr Paul K. Jones
paul.jones@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


AsPr Paul K. Jones

By Appointment
By Appointment

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