Sociological Introduction
Course Outline
Course Coordinator
Semester
Unit Weighting
Dr Steven Threadgold
Semester 1 - 2013
10
Brief Course Description
Introduces students to the sociological perspective through an exploration of contemporary social and cultural issues. Topics may include: socialisation and identity, sex and gender, race and ethnicity, class and social inequality, globalisation and work, deviance and social control, and media and popular culture. Key sociological concepts and theories are used to examine social patterns, social action and social change.
Contact Hours
Lecture for 2 Hours per Week for the Full Term
Tutorial for 1 Hour per Week for the Full Term
Learning Materials/Texts
Germov, J. & Poole, M. (eds) 2011, Public Sociology: An Introduction to Australian
Society, 2nd Ed. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.
Text website: www.allenandunwin.com/publicsociology/
The textbook will be used extensively in this course; it will also be a helpful resource in your further studies.
Course Objectives
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of sociological perspectives, concepts and research approaches. 2. Critically appraise and discuss the sociological literature.
3. Conduct planning of library research for assignments using information literacy skills.
4. Research and write an academic essay.
Course Content
Course content will be drawn from a selection of the following topics:
1. What is sociology? Developing a 'sociological imagination'.
2. An overview of sociological perspectives and social research.
3. Socialisation and identity.
4. Sex and gender.
5. Race, racism, ethnicity and multiculturalism.
6. Globalisation.
7. Work and unemployment.
8. Class and social inequality.
1
9. Deviance and social control.
10. Media and popular culture.
Assessment Items
Essays / Written
Tutorial exercises: 15% 500