Students

SOC 175 – Australian Society

2017 – S3 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Amanda Wise
Lecturer & Tutor
Breanna Jones
Contact via Email
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This is an exciting and innovative unit about Australian life and global societies. It also provides new and engaging ways to develop your understanding of the deep social relationships that bind us together and which, at the same time, underlie the expression of conflict and inequality. We focus in the unit on key areas of social life such as family, gender and sexuality, religion, age, crime, media, work, globalisation and social policy. We also introduce you to sociology and the sociological research process and hope to raise your interest in the social problems and questions confronting Australian society. The unit gives you valuable vocational skills that enable you to enjoy interesting and varied employment in a variety of different commercial, government and non-government positions.

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:

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
The Sociological Imagination 30% No Week 2, Friday
Take Home Exam 40% No Week 5
Weekly Topic Summaries 30% No Weekly

The Sociological Imagination

Due: Week 2, Friday
Weighting: 30%

Based on your reading of ‘The Promise’ from C. W. Mills’ The Sociological Imagination, write a response of no more than 600 words to the following:

Using some examples from contemporary life, explain the distinction Mills makes between personal troubles and public issues. Do you think that people still feel trapped in the twenty-first century in the same way that Mills described in the mid-twentieth century?

This task is designed to assess your understanding of the text as well as your ability to apply the key ideas in a discussion of more contemporary examples and situations. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of Mills’ concepts but you will also need to communicate your own ideas and develop your own argument. The second part of the question in particular requires you to form and explain your own opinion, having shown an appreciation for what Mills was asserting.

While you are not required to use additional sources for this task, you may find it helpful to draw on other sources to substantiate your claims and illustrate your examples (eg. you could use ABS statistics to illustrate a social trend).

Remember, there is no single ‘correct’ answer to this task - strong responses will demonstrate a solid understanding of Mills’ ideas, include clearly explained contemporary examples and offer a well-argued position on the matter of being ‘trapped’. Your response should take the form of a short essay and adhere to formal academic writing conventions, including Harvard style, in-text referencing (no footnotes).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Take Home Exam

Due: Week 5
Weighting: 40%

One week will be provided for the completion of this exam. You may use all course materials. The questions will be posted one week before the due date. Word limit: 1.800


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Weekly Topic Summaries

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 30%

This task is designed to assist you to keep up with the weekly programme; listening to the lectures and reading the material provided. The focus is on developing effective reading and note-taking skills. Each week you will be expected to post a short review of BOTH the lecture topics (lecture and associated readings). You should outline the overall ideas discussed, and identify and define key terms used.

The entry is due by Friday at the end of each week, by 11:55pm (23:55). Late submissions will NOT be accepted unless a formal Special Consideration Request is made via ask.mq.edu.au. Each weekly summary is worth 3% (total assessment value is 30%).

Please submit your entry into the forum titled 'Weekly Topic Summary' located within the relevant lecture topic.

These weekly entries will help provide you with a solid basis for addressing the other assessment tasks. There will be two rounds of feedback for this assessment - end of Week 2 and end of Week 5 (grade only, no comments).

Note: You will still need to listen to both lectures each week and undertake the set readings as all topics are examinable at the end of the course.

Word limit: approx 200 words per topic. Weekly submissions required.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Delivery and Resources

Entirely online

Two weekly, recorded lectures and online tutorials

Twice Weekly readings

 

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 outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

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

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

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

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

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

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

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

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

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

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

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

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

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

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

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

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.

Assessment tasks

  • The Sociological Imagination
  • Take Home Exam
  • Weekly Topic Summaries

Changes since First Published

Date Description
05/12/2017 Changed Weekly topic summaries from one of two to each of the two weekly lectures.