Students

SOC 222 – Theories of Modernity

2016 – S1 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Pauline Johnson
Contact via via Dialogue Tool
Tutor
Sandey Fitzgerald
Contact via sandey.fitzgerald@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Modernity is characterised by a number of specific developments such as: democracy, capitalism, industrialism, nationalism, individualism and bureaucratisation. These are partly antagonistic, partly complementary tendencies. In this unit we will be examining these diverse trends through the prism of a range of classical theories of modern society. We will consider from among the following: Marx, Nietzsche, Weber, Durkheim, Mead, the Frankfurt School and Foucault. None of these has the key but we suggest that all remain a vital source of illumination into tendencies and potentials of the contemporary world.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

General Assessment Information

Extensions and Special Circumstances Extensions Extension requests should be made at least 24 business hours before the assignment due time by completing this online form (https://coemacquarieuniversity.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests /new?ticket_form_id=64525). Unless otherwise stated in your iLearn unit, late submission of written work will result in a deduction of 10% of the mark awarded for each week or part of a week beyond the due date, or date to which an extension has been granted. Extensions are granted only on grounds of illness or misadventure, and appropriate supporting documentation must be submitted. Work submitted after 3 weeks beyond the due date, or the date after which an extension has been given, will not be accepted. If you are having problems completing an assignment, please contact the tutor as early as possible.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Participation 30% weekly
Written Exercise 1 15% Sunday, Week 4
Written Exercise 2 15% Sunday Week 6
Written Exercise 3 20% Sunday Week 9
Written Exercise 4 20% Sunday Week 12

Participation

Due: weekly
Weighting: 30%

Participation in (1) weekly discussions and (2) keeping of a weekly online journal/blog

(1) Participation in weekly discussions as prompted by set questions. Students must contribute to this assessment task to pass the course. A minimum of 8 weeks of discussion is required to pass the Participation component of the assessment. A minimum of 3 weeks discussion is required to pass the course at all.

(2) Keeping of a weekly journal/blog. Here is your chance to earn marks for the kind of note-taking that you should be engaging in for every set reading you ever study. The journal/blog should contain: a brief summary of the argument being offered for each reading; a note of key concepts; any questions that you think of; any reflections/reservations on the material/argument that you have; any connections with contemporary issues/modernity you see. Your response should demonstrate a consistent effort to engage with the material throughout the course. You need to write around 250 words to fulfill these requirements. Your entry should be in your own words. All entries must be completed by 5pm Friday of Week 12.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Written Exercise 1

Due: Sunday, Week 4
Weighting: 15%

A formal essay style response in 600 words to one of the discussion questions from Weeks 1-3.

The essay must include reference to the relevance of at least one of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in Lecture 1.

It must be fully referenced and contain a Bibliography.

A 600 word response in essay form to one of the provided from Weeks 1-4. The task at hand is to choose one (1) of the provided questions from a week before the due week of the exercise and answer it by using lecture material, the required reading(s) and perhaps some of the suggested readings as provided in the outline, if you think it necessary. However, the essay must be focused primarily on the reading.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Written Exercise 2

Due: Sunday Week 6
Weighting: 15%

A formal essay style response in 600 words to one of the discussion questions from Weeks 4-5 (as for Exercise 1).

The essay must include reference to the relevance of at least one of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in Lecture 1.

It must be fully referenced and contain a Bibliography.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Written Exercise 3

Due: Sunday Week 9
Weighting: 20%

A formal essay style response in 600 words to one of the discussion questions from Weeks 6-8 (as for Exercise 1).

The essay must include reference to the relevance of at least one of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in Lecture 1, and a comparison between two of the theorists in the unit to this point.

It must be fully referenced and include a Bibliography

Note: Your essay for this assessment should demonstrate greater effort and depth than those prepared for Exercises 1 and 2, and any recommendations in the feedback from those exercises should have been taken into account. We expect to see some development in your skills over the course of these exercises.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Written Exercise 4

Due: Sunday Week 12
Weighting: 20%

A formal essay style response in 600 words to one of the discussion questions from Weeks 9-12 (as above).

The essay must include reference to the relevance of at least one of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in Lecture 1, and a comparison between two of the theorists in the unit to this point.

It must be fully referenced and include a Bibliography


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Delivery and Resources

Required Reading

Readings are listed for each week on the course iLearn page.

Unless otherwise indicated below, all required readings are in Unit Readings in the Macquarie Library. You can access these through the link provided on the home page of the course or by going directly to the Library.

The course also provided a range of study skill resources, lecture notes and other material.

Unit Schedule

See Soc 222 Theories of Modernity Course Guide (EXTERNAL STUDENTS) on the unit home page in iLearn

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Written Exercise 1
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Written Exercise 1
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Written Exercise 1
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and assess a variety of texts and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Written Exercise 1
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Written Exercise 1
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • Read and write critically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Written Exercise 1
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study, and investigate their points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • Articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Written Exercise 1
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Learn to think sociologically.
  • Learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Written Exercise 1
  • Written Exercise 2
  • Written Exercise 3
  • Written Exercise 4