Students
SOCX3090 – Contemporary Trends, Patterns and Puzzles
2021 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Harry Blatterer
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp at 1000 level or above
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Change, some people say, is the only constant in life. This unit provides essential skills and knowledge that enable you to understand trends, patterns and puzzles in contemporary societies. You will explore a variety of topics such as work, identity, relationship, politics, diversity and the private sphere. The unit has a strong focus on practical applications and prepares students to make sense of major social developments, which shape our lives and the world we live in. |
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:
- ULO1: demonstrate an understanding of a range of sociological perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
- ULO2: apply key sociological concepts to the study of contemporary societies.
- ULO3: analyse a contemporary social issue using sociological theories
- ULO4: effectively communicate complex ideas in written form.
General Assessment Information
Late Penalties
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a penalty for lateness will apply – ten (10) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date (or extended due date in cases where special consideration is granted). No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final essay | 40% | No | 05/11/2021 |
| Active participation | 20% | No | ongoing |
| Research essay | 40% | No | 01/10/2021 |
Final essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13 hours
Due: 05/11/2021
Weighting: 40%
The aim of this assessment task is for you to show your ability to apply the perspectives and concepts we have discussed to a "real-life" issue.
a) pick a sociological concept or approach from one of the weeks and define it clearly.
b) pick and briefly describe a social issue you would like to interpret and analyse.
c) interpret and analyse (b) with (a)
Your example can be sourced from a novel, an article, a video clip, film, etc. The most important point is relevance and a clear connection between the example and the sociological perspective you have chosen.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of a range of sociological perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
- apply key sociological concepts to the study of contemporary societies.
- analyse a contemporary social issue using sociological theories
- effectively communicate complex ideas in written form.
Active participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: ongoing
Weighting: 20%
On the basis of the provided course contents students are expected to actively engage in class discussions with each other including group work.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of a range of sociological perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
- apply key sociological concepts to the study of contemporary societies.
- analyse a contemporary social issue using sociological theories
- effectively communicate complex ideas in written form.
Research essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: 01/10/2021
Weighting: 40%
The aim of this assessment task is threefold: (1) to gauge your comprehension of the perspectives and concepts covered thus far; (2) to get you to think about connecting theoretical material to contemporary social issues; (3) to prepare you for your final assessment task.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of a range of sociological perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
- apply key sociological concepts to the study of contemporary societies.
- analyse a contemporary social issue using sociological theories
- effectively communicate complex ideas in written form.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Online
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook