Courses & Units
Sociology: Understanding the Social World HGA101
Cradle Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Online
Introduction
Sociology inspires you to think differently about the world. We discover how a ‘sociological imagination’ enables us to better understand our lives, the groups we belong to and how societies are changing. From growing up with social media to changing gender roles, sociology is about explaining how the ‘big picture’ shapes our individual lives and experiences. Grounded in real-world examples and case-studies, the unit introduces you to the concepts, theories and research approaches used by sociologists to analyse and explain contemporary societies. You will learn to apply sociological frameworks to key issues in society, including how transformations in social identities such as class, gender, ethnicity are creating new opportunities but also new forms of inequality. The unit also closely examines how social institutions such as family, media and religion are significant in shaping the world we live in and our experiences and relationships. This unit gives you the skills, knowledge and tools to understand human behaviour from a sociological perspective, promote social change and is useful for diverse careers in a range of industries such as government, research, community sector, media, advertising and communications
Summary
| Unit name | Sociology: Understanding the Social World |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HGA101 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education School of Social Sciences |
| Discipline | Sociology and Criminology |
| Coordinator | Doctor Nicholas Hookway |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Introductory |
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 24/2/2025 | 25/3/2025 | 14/4/2025 | 1/6/2025 |
* 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 2025 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2025 will be available from the 1st October 2024. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the sociological perspective, key sociological theories, and research methods within the context of contemporary social life.
- Analyse major social identities, inequalities and institutions in relation to their impact on individuals and society.
- Apply sociological concepts, theories, and empirical data to explain elements of contemporary Australian society
- Communicate sociological ideas clearly in written and/or verbal form within an academic context.
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 | $2,124.00 | $996.00 | not applicable | $2,440.00 |
- 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 UConnect 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:
HGE101 AND HGA100 AND HGA139 AND HGA135Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | On Campus: 1.5 hour weekly lecture (online), 2 hour weekly tutorial Off campus: 1.5 hour weekly lecture (online), 2 hour weekly online discussion |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Digital journal (30%)|Participation (30%)|Digital sociology group project (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
You will need the following text: Germov, J., & Poole, M. (2023) Public Sociology: An introduction to Australian society (5th Ed). Sydney: Allen & Unwin. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Aaron, H and Willis, E (2022) The Sociological Quest: An Introduction to the Study of Social Life (5th Ed). St Leonards: Allen and Unwin. Woodman, D. and Threadgold, S. (2021) This is Sociology. A Short Introduction. Sage: London. Van Krieken, R., Habibis, D., Smith, P., Maton, K., Martin, G., Churchill, B., West, B., and Hansen, E. (2020). Sociology (7th Ed). Pearson: Melbourne. |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.