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Sociology of Culture (SOCI20016)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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As part of the University’s response to COVID-19 and the associated Government restrictions and guidelines, most subjects will continue to be delivered online in Winter and Semester 2.
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This course introduces students to the sociological study of culture. Exploring topics such as art, sport, food, religion, music, social media and cultural memory, we will examine how culture can reproduce, organise, and challenge particular social values and structures. To put this study into context, the course also traces the rise of cultural sociology in the late 20th century; a time when sociologists became increasingly interested in popular culture and everyday life, and cultural critics began to consider the sociological context of literature, art, and film. Using these innovative studies as a framework, each week we will analyse an aspect of contemporary culture and consider its sociological importance. On completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the cultural dimensions of social life and the key theories and methods that can be used to critically analyse cultural experience.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students will:




 

  • have an understanding of why culture is an important site for sociological research; and
  • have an ability to use sociological frameworks to explore dimensions of contemporary cultural life including identity, ritual, and community; and
  • have an ability to analyse case studies; and
  • have an ability to use sociological theory to interpret cultural practices.

Generic skills

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

  • think and write critically and creatively about complex cultural issues; and
  • apply theoretical frameworks to everyday contexts and case studies; and
  • develop an understanding of cultural diversity in public life.

Last updated: 22 January 2021

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Students are recommended to have taken Sociology at level one.

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: 22 January 2021

Assessment

Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Short essay

  • 1000 words
Early in the teaching period20%

Case study

  • 1000 words
Late in the teaching period30%

Research essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
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.Throughout the semesterN/A

Additional details

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: 22 January 2021

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorGeoffrey Mead
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours30 contact hours: 1 x 1.5 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week for 12 weeks.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 August 2020 to 1 November 2020
    Last self-enrol date14 August 2020
    Census date21 September 2020
    Last date to withdraw without fail16 October 2020
    Assessment period ends27 November 2020

    Semester 2 contact information

    grmead@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours in total.

Last updated: 22 January 2021

Further information

Last updated: 22 January 2021