Key facts
UNE unit code: SOCY340
*You are viewing the 2025 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
This unit explores what major thinkers have said about modern society. You will study central ideas in their writings and the key factors shaping their thought, focusing on big questions about class and capitalism, work and leisure, how power is exercised (and resisted), and the social construction of identity. You will cover both the ideas of ‘classical’ social theorists, such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, and also important contemporary schools of thought.
Critical reflection on society is a vital and exciting intellectual endeavour. This unit complements other units in sociology on social diversity and inclusion, equipping you with important skills for understanding and engaging with the globalised world.
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:
- demonstrate coherent knowledge of a broad range of debates within social theory and the context in which those debates arose;
- identify, analyse and present major theoretical issues that underlay the range of debates in written or verbal form;
- 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 acceptable 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 (equivalent) |
| Assessment 2: Critical Reading Assessment | Yes | 40% | All offerings | No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 3: Essay | Yes | 50% | All offerings | No. Words: 2500 |
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.
eBook: Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory: Text and Readings
ISBN: 9781544358581
Appelrouth, S. and Edles, L., Sage 4th ed. 2020
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
