Perspectives on the Social World unit (HGA202)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

Perspectives on the Social World provides students with an understanding of the concepts and approaches developed by sociologists to explain major social changes in Western democracies from the end of the 18th century to the present. The unit is divided into three parts: the first examines the contribution of the classical social theorists – Marx, Weber and Durkheim – to understanding the emergence of industrial society; the second part considers the diverse perspectives, including symbolic interactionism and feminism, that remain influential for twenty-first century social theory; and the third part explores the relevance of contemporary social theory for understanding and addressing significant issues for society – neoliberalism, new technology, and climate change. Through learning experiences and assessment tasks focused on applying theory to real-world issues and problems, the unit equips students with the knowledge and skills to think critically about the world around them and to use different perspectives in their decision-making and planning.

Summary

Unit name	Perspectives on the Social World
Unit code	HGA202
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Arts and Society Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline	Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator	Professor Douglas Ezzy
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* 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 theories and debates in sociology.
• Apply sociological theories to contemporary social issues and problems.
• Assess the contribution of different theorists and theories in making sense of contemporary social issues and problems.
• Produce written work and/or oral work that communicates your ideas clearly, conforms to academic standards, and accurately acknowledges the work of others.

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

Prerequisites

25 credit points at Introductory level or higher

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus: Weekly online lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly face-to-face seminar (1.5 hours). Off Campus: Weekly online lectures or equivalent (1.5 hours) and weekly online seminars or participation in discussion boards (1.5 hours).
Assessment	Discussion board and/or online tutorial participation (10%)|Theoretical application task (10%)|Essay (40%)|Take-home exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	See the library reading list for the Unit - there is a link on the MyLO home page.
Recommended	See the library reading list for the Unit - there is a link on the MyLO home page.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.