SOC303 Theorising Society and Social Change (8)

The subject explores theoretical approaches to understanding society and social change. It provides a broad overview of sociological theory, starting with the classical theories, their modern developments, through to the present-day sociological theoretical transformations. The social world is contextualised within historical development, to foster critical awareness of social structures and cultural norms in contemporary times. Theory is applied to enable understanding and illumination of inequalities and social change, what influences both and how change occurs.

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2022.

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Social Work and Arts

Assumed Knowledge
SOC101

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the various strands of social theory and their contributions towards explaining social structure, social norms and social change;
  • be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the intellectual problems and issues governing shifts in epistemology;
  • be able to develop and apply a critical awareness of social structures and processes in contemporary Western societies;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between sociological theory and research;
  • be able to undertake analytical thought by assembling ideas about sociological theory into coherent dialogue and written arguments; and
  • be able to demonstrate an appreciation of how social theory can be used to create social change.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Conflict theory
  • Critical theory
  • Structural Functionalism
  • Structuration theory
  • Symbolic interactionism
  • Postmodernism
  • Feminist theory
  • Gender theory
  • Queer theory
  • Post-colonial theory

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of SOC303 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Online discussion questions
20
2
Essay
40
3
Theory and social change: a critical evaluation
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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