Explorations in Sociology
Unit code: LSS102
| Credit points | 12.5 Credit Points |
| Duration | One Semester |
| Contact hours | 36 hours over the semester, normally 3 hours per week |
| Campus | Hawthorn |
| Prerequisites | NIL |
Related course(s)
Formerly known as LSS100 Introduction to Sociology
Co-badged with PSS100 Introduction to Sociology (online)
This is a prescribed unit of study in the Social Science Major/s. It may also be undertaken as a unit of study in any other Swinburne degree program, subject to the prerequisite and degree requirements.
Co-badged with PSS100 Introduction to Sociology (online)
This is a prescribed unit of study in the Social Science Major/s. It may also be undertaken as a unit of study in any other Swinburne degree program, subject to the prerequisite and degree requirements.
Aims and objectives
This unit introduces students to key concepts and debates in sociology and explores contempory issues in Australian society. We explore social identities, social inequalities and social transformations, and examine a range of substantive areas which may include youth culture, consumption, media, popular culture, health and illness, social movements, globalisation and sustainability. After completing the unit, students should be able to:• understand basic sociological concepts
• think critically about contempory social relations
• apply sociological concepts to the analysis of current social issues
• analyse the ways in which social processes, movements and structures shape individuals, groups and identity in Australian society
Teaching methods
Units will be taught in a variety of modes including face to face, online, distance and blended modes. Delivery of this unit may be through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratories, seminars and online.Generic skills outcomes
This unit will provide discipline-based knowledge and professional capabilities and expereinces continuing to students’ progress in attaining generic skills such as:
• analysis skills, developed through critical reading of sociological literature
• ability to tackle unfamilar problems, developed through analysis of social issues
• communication skills, developed through written and oral presentations
• ability to work independently, developed through library research
Reading materials
Bryant, J. 2006, Dare to Know: Thinking Sociologically. Pearson, Frenchs Forest. NSW.Matson, R. 2008, In the spirit of sociology, Pearson Education, USA.
*There are many worthwhile representative texts for preliminary reading or reference throughout the semester, for example:
Betts, K, Farquarson, K. & Seitz, A. 2005, Writing essays and research reports in the social sciences, Thomson, Melbourne.
Holmes, D, Hughs, K & Juilan, R. 2007, Australian sociology: a changing society, Pearson Education Australia, Frenchs Forest.
Levin, J. (2008) Sociological Snapshots 5. Seeing Social Structure and Change in Everyday Life. Sage.
Macionis, J. & Plumer, K . 2008, Sociology: a global introduction, 4th edn, Pearson Education, N.Y.
Van Krieken, R, et.al 2006, Sociology: themes and perspectives, 3rd edn, Pearson Education Australia, Frenchs Forest.
Willis, E. 2004, The sociological quest, Allen and Unwin, St Leonards.
