This course will introduce theories and perspectives that have shaped (and continue to reshape) sociological understandings of the world around us. By investigating the relationships between economy, society and culture that inform the experience of everyday life – in Australia and around the world – the course will examine how social inequalities are reproduced and contested. Through a focus on the themes of ‘work’, ‘care’ and ‘identity’, students will develop critical awareness of how the organisation of social and economic life varies across time, by place and according to positionality. We will consider key issues emerging from the transition from industrial to post-industrial societies in the Global North, while working to decolonise dominant perspectives by resituating these debates in Global South settings – where the majority of the world live and work.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Understand major sociological theories relating to the organisation of society, economy and culture;
2. Evaluate and compare the relevance of these theories in the Global North and Global South;
3. Apply these theories to everyday life and contemporary social issues; and
4. Reflect on and discuss their learning in relation to the course content using written and audiovisual media.

Staff Feedback

Students will receive feedback on their academic performance in the following ways:

• Specific individual written comments on Assessment Items 2 and 3
• General constructive feedback on Assessment Items 2 and 3 in tutorials
• Verbal feedback on Assessment Item 1 (tutorial participation) where requested

Graded assessment items will be returned to students on Wattle in the first instance. You will be able to make individual appointments with your class tutor at any point to discuss her/his feedback in more detail should you wish.

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

Additional Assessment Rules

Double-spaced and word-processed copies of assessment item 4 must be submitted electronically on Wattle via the appropriate link by 23:59pm (AEDT) on the specified assessment due date. Students who miss the deadline will accrue a 5% penalty for each working day that coursework is overdue. Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to upload the correct document by the stated deadline. The ANU is now using Turnitin software to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to monitor 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. Please note, coursework must be submitted through Turnitin unless an exemption has been formally approved by the CASS Associate Dean of Education. You will be required to sign an electronic declaration as part of the submission process. Please retain an electronic copy of your work. The default referencing style adopted for SOCY1004 written work is Harvard. Students are expected to adhere strictly to the word limit set for each assessment activity, although leniency will be shown to those either over or under the word limit by a maximum of 10%. If your work exceeds the 10% quota, it will accrue a 10% penalty.

Course learning aids

The key information and learning interface for SOCY1004 is Wattle. Wattle will be the platform used for uploading assessment items 3 and 4. Please note that the course teaching team have the capacity to monitor your use of Wattle—e.g. to check whether you have downloaded course materials etc.—and thus infer from that your degree of course engagement. Students are expected to browse the Wattle page at least three times a week to access a range of learning resources, including lecture notes/recordings, tutorial materials, class forum posts and additional readings. The Wattle site will also provide instructions for your weekly class tutorial tasks. In addition, students are expected to regularly check their ANU email account as important course information and announcements will be sent to that address. Please note that course tutors and lecturers are not obliged to respond to emails sent from private accounts such as gmail and yahoo etc.

If you have any questions or concerns about the course, I encourage you to ask them on the ‘SOCY1004 Course Forum’ facility on Wattle. That way, everyone in the course gets the benefit of the knowledge transfer.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	No Tutorials in Week 1 Lecture Topic Analysing the Social World through Work
2	Tutorial Topic Work as Paid Labour Lecture Topic Work as Paid Labour	Tutorial Participation
3	Tutorial Topic Work as Care Lecture Topic Work as Care	Tutorial Participation
4	Tutorial Topic Identity and Inequality Lecture Topic Identity and Inequality	Tutorial Participation Film Screening: Salaam Bombay!
5	Tutorial Topic The Factory System Lecture Topic The Factory System	Tutorial Participation Assessment One: Short Essay
6	Tutorial Topic The Care Economy Lecture Topic The Care Economy	Tutorial Participation Film Screening: Amour
7	Tutorial Topic Remote Work and Digital Labour Lecture Topic Remote Work and Digital Labour	Tutorial Participation
8	Tutorial Topic Gig Work and Precarity Lecture Topic Gig Work and Precarity	Tutorial Participation
9	Tutorial Topic Social Protection Lecture Topic Social Protection	Tutorial Participation Assessment Two: Video Project
10	Tutorial Topic Temporary Migration Lecture Topic Temporary Migration	Tutorial Participation Film Screening: The Salt of the Earth
11	Tutorial Topic Southern Theory Lecture Topic Southern Theory	Tutorial Participation
12	Tutorial Topic Review Lecture Topic Review	Tutorial Participation Assessment Three: Take-Home Exam

Tutorial Registration

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 .

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial Participation	10 %	*	*	1, 3 and 4
Short Essay	25 %	22/08/2022	05/09/2022	1 and 2
Video Project	30 %	26/09/2022	17/10/2021	3 and 4
Take-Home Exam	35 %	04/11/2022	18/11/2022	1 and 2

* 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:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

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 Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

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

Workload

The workload will be one lecture and one tutorial per week (total of three contact hours per week) with the expectation of a further seven non-contact hours per week of independent study.

General course workload expectations may be summarised as follows:

• Weekly 'Required Readings' to be completed in advance of tutorials
• Wider reading for assessment preparation (including tutorial participation) and general interest
• Periodic practical exercises and group activities for tutorials
• Attendance of film screenings (in person or online)
• Approximately 4000 words in assessed written work

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Participation

The degree and relevance of your participation in class and small group discussions will be evaluated by the tutor throughout the semester. You are welcome to ask your tutor for verbal feedback on your tutorial participation at any time.

Assessment Task 2

Short Essay

This short essay assesses students' understanding of the theoretical concepts introduced during the lectures spanning weeks 1 to 4. Students will be asked to critically evaluate the origins and contemporary relevance of one theory of work.

Assessment Task 3

Video Project

For this video project, students will be presented with the opportunity to creatively apply one of the theories studied during weeks 1 to 8. In groups of two or three, they will make a 4-minute video that should provide insight into an aspect of their everyday life, a contemporary social issue or a fictional narrative reflecting a relevant topic. This will be accompanied by a 500-word script.

 

Though creativity and innovation will be openly encouraged, please remember that the level of engagement with the concepts discussed in the course as well as the use of peer-reviewed academic sources is what is going to be assessed. In other words, you will be severely penalised if you do not incorporate appropriate academic theories and concepts, show any evidence of research and wide reading, or properly cite ideas that are not your own.

 

We will discuss ideas in lectures and tutorials and I strongly encourage you to talk with me and your tutor about what you want to do. While the task may appear quite daunting at this stage, it will become much clearer as the course progresses when we explore the theories in depth and look at examples during tutorials and lectures.

 

The Week 6, 7 and 8 tutorials will be partly dedicated to orient students on this assignment.

Assessment Task 4

Take-Home Exam

Students will have to select one of three proposed questions and write an essay to answer it. This question will involve evaluating the strengths and limitations of ‘Northern’ social theories in explaining the organisation of work and care in ‘Southern’ contexts.

Please note, students are strongly advised NOT to book end of semester holidays or otherwise commit themselves over the ANU examination period. Missing the SOCY1004 examination will mean failing the course.

Rubric

Criteria	High Distinction	Distinction	Credit	Pass	Fail
Grasp of subject matter	Comprehensive (relative to course content & resources) use & understanding of relevant sociological knowledge on topic	Clear understanding & use of relevant sociological knowledge on topic	Good use of relevant sociological knowledge on topic but significant gaps in coverage or understanding	Sociological knowledge on topic included but limited evidence of understanding	No use or understanding evident of sociological knowledge on topic
Theoretical & conceptual knowledge	Sophisticated use of sociological concepts & theories to inform approach to topic & interpretation of information	Sociological concepts & theories clearly & accurately used to inform approach to topic & interpretation of information	Use of sociological concepts & theories lacking consistency but contributing to sociological interpretation of information	Infrequent or inconsistent use of sociological concepts & theories	No reference to or use of sociological concepts & theories
Methodological application & use of supportive evidence	All arguments & conclusions supported with appropriate evidence. Demonstrates good understanding of methodological strengths & weaknesses of evidence	All arguments & conclusions supported with evidence but some need to develop greater understanding of methodological strengths & weaknesses of evidence	Most arguments & conclusions supported with evidence but need to develop greater understanding of methodological strengths & weaknesses of evidence	Some evidence used but insufficient or inadequate to support convincing arguments and conclusions	No, or inappropriate, evidence used to support arguments & conclusions
Critical evaluation of topic	Comprehensive & analytical approach to identification of assumptions behind data & arguments & assessment of their theoretical & methodological adequacy	Analytical focus that identifies assumptions behind most data & arguments & assesses their theoretical & methodological adequacy	Good examples of critical evaluation in assignment but lacking in theoretical & methodological consistency	Limited attempts to identify the assumptions behind data & arguments contributing to a largely descriptive assignment	No critical evaluation of underlying assumptions
Logical development & structure of argument	All points & sections within assignment logically structured & clearly related to assignment question, each other, & conclusions	Clear & logical structure to assignment & discussion of how major arguments fit together	Some attempt made to structure assignment in logical manner and to discuss how arguments fit together	Assignment a collection of points relevant to question but with little discussion of how they fit together or attempt to develop a logical structure	Assignment a collection of points with little obvious relation to question
Applicability of references & depth of reading	Comprehensive understanding & use of a significant number of references	Sound use & understanding of relevant points from a significant number of references	Information gleaned from a significant number of references, or comprehensive use made of a limited number of references	Information drawn from a limited number of relevant references	References irrelevant to topic and/or not clearly used to develop answer
Readability & grammar	Consistently accurate grammar & high clarity of expression	Consistently accurate grammar with few lapses in clarity of expression	Mostly accurate & clear grammar & expression	Somewhat accurate grammar & regular lapses in clarity of expression.	Frequent grammatical errors and/or lapses in clarity of expression
Correct referencing & documentation	Highly consistent & accurate referencing & documentation. All necessary in-text references	Highly consistent & accurate referencing & documentation. Most necessary in-text references	Mostly consistent & accurate referencing & documentation. Most necessary in-text references	Lack of consistency & accuracy. Some references omitted	Frequent omission of references & inconsistency in referencing style & other documentation

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to 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 be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, 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 Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. 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.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted 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.

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).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students