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Hobart, Launceston

Note:

Core unit for Sociology major and minor

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 2021

Unit name Perspectives on the Social World
Unit code HGA202
Credit points 12.5
Faculty/School College of Arts, Law and Education
School of Social Sciences
Discipline Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator

Prof Keith Jacobs
Teaching staff

Prof Keith Jacobs (Hobart)

Associate Prof Vaughan Higgins (Launceston/Distance)
Level Intermediate
Available as student elective? Yes
Breadth Unit? No

Availability

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* 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 (see withdrawal dates explained for more information).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

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

Fees

Requisites

Prerequisites

HGA101 - Sociology A OR HGA102 - Sociology B OR HGA138 - Society, Culture and Health

Mutual Exclusions

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

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

On Campus (Hobart):
Weekly lectures (2 hours)
Fortnightly tutorials (1 hour)

On Campus (Launceston):
Weekly lectures (1 hour)
Weekly seminars (1.5 hours)

Off Campus:
Weekly lectures (1 hour)
Weekly discussion topics
Online tutorials(6 x 1 hour)

Assessment

Task 1: Theoretical application task, 500 words (10%)

Task 2: Essay, 2000 words (40%)

Task 3: Discussion board and/or online tutorial participation (10%)

Task 4: Final exam, 2 hours (40%)

TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

RequiredNone

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