Students
SOCX2010 – Theorising Societies
2024 – Session 1, Online-flexible
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Harry Blatterer
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| 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.
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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 non-timed written assessments (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc) is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams/quizzes, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online participation | 20% | No | Weekly task |
| Short Essay | 30% | No | 12/04/2024 (Week 8) |
| Essay 2 | 50% | No | 31/05/2024 (Week 13) |
Online participation
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 16 hours
Due: Weekly task
Weighting: 20%
Active engagement with original theoretical texts by way of close reading and online 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: 30 hours
Due: 12/04/2024 (Week 8)
Weighting: 30%
This essay aims to give students the opportunity to show an 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: 31/05/2024 (Week 13)
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
Recorded lectures and online 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:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution 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 connect.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.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
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:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, 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 2024.03 of the Handbook