Units: Sociology

SO101 Introduction to Sociology (No prerequisite: Essential for Major)
This unit will introduce students to the discipline of sociology, beginning with an overview of sociological theories and concepts. The first part of the course focuses on social differences and divisions amongst Australian citizens; the middle part deals with the institutions in our society; and the last part concentrates on recent changes in the discipline, such as globalization, media and popular culture. Students learn to see themselves and the world in which they live through various sociological perspectives. The unit aims to describe what sociology is about, how sociology is relevant to Australian society today and to reveal critical approaches to society. Students will be involved in the central issues of class, gender and racial power relations to enable them to position themselves as individuals in society. Examples of questions that may be addressed are: What kind of society exists in Australia? Is Australian society highly stratified? What kinds of social inequality exist in Australia and why? What actions do groups and political movements need to take for social change? Can individuals bring about conditions in which positive social change occur?

SO102 Social Problems and Solutions (No prerequisite: Essential for Major)
The main aim of this unit is to get students to think critically about the social problems that are prevalent in their respective societies. The unit will provide students with sociological tools to understand not just the problems themselves but also the politics of social problems debates. The unit will encourage students to read between the lines of the explanations and remedies currently offered as truth by journalists and politicians. Students will be encouraged also to question their own perceptions and beliefs about social problems as well as those portrayed in the larger culture around them. This unit is an essential unit for any sociological program in that it is meant to provide the student with information and conceptual tools beyond an introduction to the discipline.

SO202 Sociology of Childhood (No prerequisite: Essential for Major)
Through lectures, course readings and discussions, this unit will cover the social world that our society provides for children, and the social world that children create for themselves. We will consider how the meaning of childhood changes over time, place, and social context. We will see that there is no singular definition of childhood, but instead many different ways of experiencing youth and adolescence in Western societies and in the Global South. Children are socialized in a variety of social institutions (e.g., schools, family, work); the course should help us understand the effects these institutions have on children's lives and futures. Sexism, racism, classism, and abuse also affect children, and this unit will explore these and other negative childhood experiences. We will also pay special attention to why the relationship between youth and popular culture is routinely viewed as problematic, how children are discussed within the popular press, and examine how public policy (Children Rights included) and laws are formulated in response to this and other issues. This unit may be especially beneficial to current or future policy makers, teachers and counselors working with children, historians, family lawyers and advocates and parents alike.

SO203 Sociology of Health and Medicine (Prerequisite: Completion of 1st year)
In this unit we will be examining health and medical issues in Australia based on a sociological perspective. Students will be given the opportunity to do research on the policies and problems of health care and the medical system in Australia. We will be examining key issues such as how the social divisions in Australia place barriers on the access to health care, how the political economy of Australia structures the availability of medical care and the kinds of boundaries technology places on how Australians are able to access health care.

SO306 Public and Social Policy (Prerequisite: Completion of 1st year)
This unit is designed the familiarise students with the theories, models and processes of public and social policy making. It is intended to provide an understanding of the role of the public sector, it’s management and the ways in which policy is devised, implemented and evaluated. The unit also examines some key policy areas.

SO307 Human Response to Disasters (Prerequisite: Completion of 1st year)
The objective of this study unit is to provide students with knowledge and skills to understand human responses to hazards, risks, and disasters at national, regional and local levels. The unit will introduce the students to useful resources on disaster management and impart skills in developing disaster mitigation plans. The unit will also assist students to learn key concepts of disaster preparedness through the use of vulnerability reduction techniques, hazard assessment and risk mitigation within the context of sustainable development.

SO312 Genocide (Prerequisite: Completion of 1st year)
This unit will focus on Terrorism and will analyse the variety of forms it has taken, especially in the post-WWII and post-Cold War era. Nation states continue to be confronted by violent challenges from within their borders as well as from outside. We will examine how trans-nationalism and globalisation have affected the use of violence and terror. We will examine the variety of strategies states have adopted to cope with these changing circumstances as well as how international organisations have reacted. We will also examine the alleged role of US foreign policy ‘blowback’, the post-Sept 11 security constructions, and global security problems and solutions.