Key facts
UNE unit code: SOCY540
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Social theory is driven both by real world events and by ideas. It asks big questions about the social construction of identity, how power is exercised (and resisted), structure and human agency.
In this unit you will focus upon major thinkers and schools of thought. You will examine what they have to say about the central institutions of 'modernity': the state, the market and the corporation.
You will cover both the ideas of 'classical' social theorists from Marx to Foucault, but also important contemporary figures.
Social theory is vital in shaping sociology's intellectual agenda, but at the same time is a reflection upon and of the world in which the theorist is living, writing and thinking. It is this tension between context and reflection that makes social theory a vital and exciting area of intellectual endeavour.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- expertly demonstrate coherent knowledge of a broad range of debates within social theory and the context in which those debates arose;
- concisely identify, critically analyse and present major theoretical issues that underlay the range of debates in written or verbal form;
- critically apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge to present a clearly structured argument that supports complex or involved discussion points; and
- demonstrate autonomy and judgement through research abilities and written analysis in an advanced sociological writing style.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Critical Reading Assignment | Yes | 20% | All offerings | No. Words: 1000 |
Essay | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
Take Home Exam | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory: Text and Readings
ISBN: 9781506387994
Appelrouth, S. and Edles, L., Sage 4th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
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