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Sociology: Experiencing Social Life unit (HGA102)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online

Introduction

This unit considers how we can use sociology to make sense of our everyday experiences and to explain broader transformations in society that may alter and reshape our sense of self, identity, place, and community. The unit explores central sociological concepts and ideas with an emphasis on how we experience the world, and the ways in which these experiences are mediated or transformed through wider processes of social, cultural, and environmental change. In doing so, we consider how decolonising approaches can enrich a sociological understanding of contemporary life as well as perspectives that engage with possibilities for agency and positive change. As a core unit in the Sociology major, this unit develops your higher-level thinking by helping you to acquire the tools you need to develop a sociological imagination and the ability to see and interpret the world around you using different perspectives.

Summary

Unit name Sociology: Experiencing Social Life
Unit code HGA102
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator Professor Vaughan Higgins
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Cradle Coast Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Launceston Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain key sociological concepts and theories in relation to contemporary social experiences and transformations.
  • Apply relevant sociological concepts and theories, including decolonising approaches, to analyse contemporary social experiences and transformations.
  • Communicate sociological ideas clearly in written and/or verbal form.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
090301 $2,174.00 $1,020.00 not applicable $2,562.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

HGE102 AND HGA135 AND HGA100 AND HGA139

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus:
Weekly (pre-recorded) lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly face-to-face workshops (2 hours).

Off Campus:
Weekly (pre-recorded) lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly online discussions/activities (2 hours).

AssessmentStudent Engagement (20%)|Article Analysis (25%)|Policy Brief (25%)|AI-enhanced Essay (30%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Germov, J., & Poole, M. (2023) Public Sociology: An introduction to Australian society (5th Ed). Sydney: Allen & Unwin

 
Recommended

Van Krieken, R., Habibis, D., Smith, P., Maton, K., Martin, G., Churchill, B., West, B., and Hansen, E. (2020). Sociology (7th Ed). Pearson: Melbourne.

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