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SOCI2010 – Theorising Societies

2023 – Session 1, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Harry Blatterer
harry.blatterer@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

Sociological theorising is about understanding and explaining the meaning of social phenomena. Usually that evolves drawing on existing concepts, or constructing our own, as prisms through which we interpret the range of human actions, behaviours and attitudes. In this unit we will discuss the role of sociological theory today. We will explore how major social thinkers have attempted to understand and explain social change, especially in the context of the deep uncertainties that characterise modernity. We will discuss original texts by Marx, Weber, Durkheim, Simmel and other more recent theorists whose works are examples of ‘the sociological imagination’ and its usefulness to thinking about social change.

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: identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study and investigate its points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • ULO2: explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • ULO3: articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • ULO4: analyse and critically assess a variety of primary texts within their historical, social and discursive contexts.

General Assessment Information

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic. 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Seminar Participation 20% No Ongoing / All Weeks
Short Essay 30% No Week 7
Essay 2 50% No Week 12

Seminar Participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Ongoing / All Weeks
Weighting: 20%

 

Active engagement with original theoretical texts by way of close reading and peer discussion.

 
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 its points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • analyse and critically assess a variety of primary texts within their historical, social and discursive contexts.

Short Essay

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%

 

This essay will give students the opportunity to show and build on their comprehension of key concepts in social theory.

 
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 its points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • analyse and critically assess a variety of primary texts within their historical, social and discursive contexts.

Essay 2

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 12
Weighting: 50%

 

This research essay aims to give students the opportunity to show their comprehension of the material covered in the unit by way of a standard essay (Introduction, body, conclusion).

 
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 its points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
  • explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies.
  • articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies.
  • analyse and critically assess a variety of primary texts within their historical, social and discursive contexts.

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 lectures and tutorials

Written participation tasks

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:

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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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 2023.01R of the Handbook