Students

SOC 222 – Theories of Modernity

2017 – S1 External

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Pauline Johnson
Contact via pauline.johnson@mq.edu.au
W6A 833
email for appointment
Sandey Fitzgerald
Contact via sandey.fitzgerald@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp at 100 level or above
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:

  • learn how to think sociologically
  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life
  • develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • read and write critically
  • learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly

General Assessment Information

All four tutorial exercises are to be to be submitted via Turnitin by 5pm on the due dates.

The journal blogs should be completed weekly, with all entries completed by 5pm Friday of Week 13

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participation: Journal & Forum 30% No Ongoing
Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3) 15% No week 4
Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5) 15% No week 6
Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8) 20% No week 9
Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12) 20% No week 13

Participation: Journal & Forum

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 30%

This unit requires building up your skills in reading some challenging social theory. The Discussions and Weekly Journal are the places where you can prepare yourself for the written tutorial exercises.

1. Weekly Discussion Forums (10%)

In the discussions, you will have an opportunity to discuss questions raised in the lectures and enter debates about the readings based on the listed discussion questions. Engagement in discussions helps you to clarify your thinking in preparation for the written exercises.

The discussions require your participation. They are your “space” where you can raise questions, discuss and clarify readings, concepts or other questions around the unit. Only you can make these forums work for you. Thus, you will need to prepare for each forum. This will mean doing the readings for each week and listening to the lecture.

  • You must engage in a minimum of three weeks of discussions to pass the course at all.
  • You must engage in eight of the weeks’ discussions from Week 2-12 to pass this assessment

2. Online Journal (20%)

In addition to the participation in the discussions you are required to keep an Online Journal. This will be in the form of a weekly blog, visible only to you and the tutor. Links are provided in each week of the unit.

Journal should be no more than a page and a half and should contain your reflections on the lectures, tutorials and, in particular, the readings. It should reflect what you’ve been thinking about with respect to the various theories. 

Each entry should include reference to the relevance of one or more of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in Lecture 1.

You should aim to complete each week’s journal by the end of each week. It is a good idea to do this work in tandem with the Discussions.

All entries to the journal must be completed by 5pm on Friday of Week 13.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • learn how to think sociologically
  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life
  • develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • read and write critically
  • learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly

Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)

Due: week 4
Weighting: 15%

Task: choose one (1) or two (2) questions from the list of discussion questions from weeks 1 to 3 and answer it in a formal essay by using lecture material, the required reading(s) and the suggested readings as provided in the outline. We are not asking for a summary of a theorist‟s work: you should work out a specific idea about modern societies as developed by a theorist. Your essay must include reference to the relevance at least one of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in lecture 1.   

Length: 600 words.

Format: Formal essay in style. Font: Times New Roman or Palatino Linotype; Font size: 12; Line spacing: min 1.5; Margins: Left: 3cm; Right: 3cm; Top: 2.5cm; Bottom: 2.5cm

Submission: Turnitin

Your work should be fully referenced according to the Department of Sociology Guidelines: http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_sociology/current_students/undergraduate/useful_links/sociology_reference_guide/

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • learn how to think sociologically
  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life
  • develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • read and write critically
  • learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly

Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)

Due: week 6
Weighting: 15%

Task: choose one (1) or two (2) questions from the list of discussion questions from weeks 4 to 5 and answer it in formal essay style by using lecture material, the required reading(s) and the suggested readings as provided in the outline. We are not asking for a summary of a theorist‟s work: you should work out a specific idea about modern societies as developed by a theorist. Your essay must include reference to the relevance at least one of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in lecture 1  and should also reflect an effort to take into account feedback from the previous written exercise.

Length: 600 words.

Format: Formal essay in style; Font: Times New Roman or Palatino Linotype; Font size: 12; Line spacing: min 1.5;  Margins: Left: 3cm; Right: 3cm; Top: 2.5cm; Bottom: 2.5cm

Submission: Turnitin

Your work should be fully referenced according to the Department of Sociology Guidelines: http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_sociology/current_students/undergraduate/useful_links/sociology_reference_guide/

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • learn how to think sociologically
  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life
  • develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • read and write critically
  • learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly

Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)

Due: week 9
Weighting: 20%

Task: choose one (1) or two (2) questions from the list of discussion questions from weeks 6 to 8 and answer it in a formal essay by using lecture material, the required reading(s) and the suggested readings as provided in the outline. We are not asking for a summary of a theorist‟s work: you should work out a specific idea about modern societies as developed by a theorist. Your essay must include reference to the relevance at least one of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in lecture 1, but this exercise must also include a comparison between two of the theorists in the unit.   

Note: your work should also reflect an effort to take into account feedback from the previous written exercises.

Length: 600 words.

Format: Formal essay in style; Font: Times New Roman or Palatino Linotype; Font size: 12; Line spacing: min 1.5; Margins: Left: 3cm; Right: 3cm; Top: 2.5cm; Bottom: 2.5cm

Submission: Turnitin

Your work should be fully referenced according to the Department of Sociology Guidelines: http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_sociology/current_students/undergraduate/useful_links/sociology_reference_guide/

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • learn how to think sociologically
  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life
  • develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • read and write critically
  • learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly

Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)

Due: week 13
Weighting: 20%

Task: choose one (1) or two (2) questions from the list of discussion questions from weeks 9 to 12 and answer it in a formal essay by using lecture material, the required reading(s) and the suggested readings as provided in the outline. We are not asking for a summary of a theorist‟s work: you should work out a specific idea about modern societies as developed by a theorist. Your essay must include reference to the relevance at least one of the Key Themes of Modernity outlined in lecture 1, but this exercise must also include a comparison between two of the theorists in the unit.   

Note: your work should also reflect an effort to take into account feedback from the previous written exercises.

Length: 600 words.

Format: Formal essay style; Font: Times New Roman or Palatino Linotype; Font size: 12; Line spacing: min 1.5; Margins: Left: 3cm; Right: 3cm; Top: 2.5cm; Bottom: 2.5cm

Submission: Turnitin

Your work should be fully referenced according to the Department of Sociology Guidelines: http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/faculties_and_departments/faculty_of_arts/department_of_sociology/current_students/undergraduate/useful_links/sociology_reference_guide/


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • learn how to think sociologically
  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life
  • develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • read and write critically
  • learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly

Delivery and Resources

Technologies used. This unit has a presence on ilearn (ilearn.mq.edu.au) and you will be required to have regular access to a reliable broadband internet connection and a computer.

Lectures: audio lectures can be accessed using the Echo link on the iLearn Unit page.

Weekly Readings

You will find these listed in your online unit in iLearn. Required readings are available through Unit Readings in the Library. There is a link provided in the course.

 

 

Unit Schedule

You will find a course calendar in the Course Guide in your iLearn unit.

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

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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 outcome

  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life

Assessment tasks

  • Participation: Journal & Forum
  • Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)
  • Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)
  • Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)
  • Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)

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 outcome

  • read and write critically

Assessment tasks

  • Participation: Journal & Forum
  • Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)
  • Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)
  • Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)
  • Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)

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 outcome

  • learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly

Assessment tasks

  • Participation: Journal & Forum
  • Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)
  • Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)
  • Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)
  • Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)

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

  • learn how to think sociologically
  • read and write critically

Assessment tasks

  • Participation: Journal & Forum
  • Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)
  • Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)
  • Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)
  • Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)

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

  • learn how to think sociologically
  • develop writing, research and analytical skills
  • read and write critically

Assessment tasks

  • Participation: Journal & Forum
  • Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)
  • Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)
  • Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)
  • Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)

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

  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life
  • develop writing, research and analytical skills

Assessment tasks

  • Participation: Journal & Forum
  • Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)
  • Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)
  • Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)
  • Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)

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

  • learn how to think sociologically
  • read and write critically
  • learn to communicate your own ideas simply and directly

Assessment tasks

  • Participation: Journal & Forum
  • Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)
  • Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)
  • Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)
  • Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)

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 outcome

  • learn how to apply those concepts in everyday life

Assessment tasks

  • Participation: Journal & Forum
  • Exercise 1 (Wks 1-3)
  • Exercise 2 (Wks 4-5)
  • Exercise 3 (Wks 6-8)
  • Exercise 4 (Wks 9-12)