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Contemporary Sociological Theory (SOCI30001)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
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The subject examines major approaches and debates within contemporary sociological theory, and the different research directions that emerge from these approaches. Beginning with an overview of the classical foundations of sociological theory, the subject explores contemporary sociological theories which engage with questions of power, social order, and conflict. The subject also examines contemporary sociological approaches to critical issues including globalization, individualization, and identity. As the subject proceeds, we will examine how researchers construct, evaluate and modify theory to respond to transformations in social relations and practices. In this way, it will become evident that sociological theory is in a constant process of interaction with everyday social structures, relations and experiences. Students will complete the subject with knowledge of key approaches and debates in contemporary sociological theory, and with the capacity to use sociological theory to construct social research questions.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- Understand key debates and problems within contemporary sociological theory;
- Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of contemporary sociological theory in its social, historical and world context, including its principal concepts and theories;
- Demonstrate an ability to critically assess major traditions within contemporary sociological theory;
- Demonstrate an ability to apply sociological theories, concepts and evidence to sociological questions within complex and changing social contexts;
- Demonstrate an ability to develop arguments by using evidence, evaluating competing explanations, and drawing conclusions;
- Communicate sociological principles and knowledge effectively using appropriate formats both oral and written.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Sociology at Levels 1 & 2
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- A research essay of 1000 words (25%) due mid-semester.
- A research essay of 2000 words (50%) due at the end of semester.
- A take-home test (25%) due in the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in tutorials is required.
- Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10 marks per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Liz Dean Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 30 contact hours: 1 x 1.5 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2017 Census date 31 March 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017 Assessment period ends 23 June 2017 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.
Recommended texts and other resources
- Subject notes
SOCI30001 Contemporary Sociological Theory is available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Graduate Diploma in Arts - Anthropology Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - Sociology Major Sociology Informal specialisation Graduate Diploma in Arts - Anthropology Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - Sociology Minor European Studies Minor Social Theory Major Anthropology Specialisation (formal) Graduate Certificate in Arts - Social Theory Informal specialisation Graduate Certificate in Arts - Social Theory - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022