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Social Theory

MinorYear: 2017

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Overview

Social Theory is an interdisciplinary field of critical inquiry from which social worlds can be explored and reflected upon from different theoretical traditions. The minor in Social Theory interrogates theoretical understandings and crosses bridges between such disciplines as Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Criminology, Gender Studies, History, Philosophy, and Cultural Studies. Social Theory is therefore an appropriate choice for students with a critical interest in any of the social and human sciences.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this minor, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of key theories about the nature of social relationships and institutions, patterns of social diversity and inequality, and processes that underpin social change and stability; and
  • demonstrate a detailed knowledge of social theory in its breadth and diversity, and in its social, historical and world context, including its principal debates and theories. ; and
  • demonstrate an ability to apply social theories and concepts to understand complex and changing social contexts; and
  • communicate social theoretical knowledge effectively using appropriate formats; and
  • demonstrate an ability to develop arguments by using evidence, evaluating competing explanations, and drawing conclusions.

Last updated: 4 March 2025

Structure

50 credit points

Social Theory

Social Theory is available as a Minor Sequence, totalling 75 points comprising:

Six 12.5-point subjects;

Level 1 (25 points)

  • 12.5 points of Level 1 in any Arts area of study
  • One
    Code Name Study period Credit Points
    Arts Foundation Subject No longer available

Level 2/3

  • 25 points of core subjects at Level 2/3
  • 25 points of elective subjects at Level 2/3

Total 75 points

Subject Options

First year requirements

25 points of arts subjects, including one Arts Foundation Subject and one level 1 subject from any Arts study area

Level 2/3 Core Subjects

Miminum 25 points

Code Name Study period Credit Points
SOCI30001 Contemporary Sociological Theory
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
SOTH20002 Modernity: Foundations of Sociology
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
SOTH30001 Critical Theories
July (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
SOTH20003 Social Theory and Political Analysis Not available in 2017 12.5
SOTH30004 Psychoanalysis and Social Theory Not available in 2017 12.5

Level 2/3 Elective Subjects

Maximum 25 points

Code Name Study period Credit Points
CRIM30006 Crime and Culture
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ENGL20020 Romanticism, Feminism, Revolution
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
GEND20003 Genders, Bodies & Sexualities
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
HPSC30023 Science and Society
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHIL30024 The Foundations of Interpretation
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
SOLS30001 Law in Social Theory
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
ANTH20011 Ethnic Nationalism and the Modern World
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
GEOG20008 Inside the City of Diversity
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Links

http://ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study-areas/sociology-social-policy-and-social-theory

Last updated: 4 March 2025