Sex in Society (SOCI20017)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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Sexuality is often thought of as a private matter. However, this subject shows the importance of a sociological approach to sexuality that demonstrates how social norms shape individual preferences. It introduces students to concepts that assist in understanding sexuality in a social way. Throughout the subject, these concepts are regularly applied to real-world examples, both contemporary and historical. It also covers a broad range of issues that intersect with sexuality, including gender, race, identity and social movements.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Employ a sociological approach towards sexuality
  • Apply sociological theories and concepts to real-world examples
  • Critically evaluate the merits of different scholarly arguments relating to sexuality
  • Demonstrate the confidence to state a position regarding debates around sexuality and be able to defend this position throughout an essay
  • Clearly communicate sociological ideas in written formats.

Generic skills

Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to:

  • Communicate effectively in written form
  • Develop research skills by sourcing appropriate information using databases
  • Conduct critical evaluation of sources and arguments
  • Develop reasoned arguments
  • Engage in rigorous and respectful debate.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Reflective essay

  • 1000 words
Week 525%

Reflective essay

  • 1000 words
Week 925%

Research essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: 1. Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures.Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: 2. Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorNick Pendergrast
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours30 hours: a 1.5 hour lecture and a 1.5 hour tutorial for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    Dr Nick Pendergrast nicholas.pendergrast@unimelb.edu.au

     

Time commitment details

170

What do these dates mean

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  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
  • And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

Last updated: 9 April 2025