SOCI 1003OL - Introduction to Sociology

Online - Semester 1 - 2024

This introductory course provides students with the skills to analyse society from a sociological perspective. It examines a number of pressing social problems within contemporary Australian society and offers a comprehensive introduction to the discipline of sociology and its foundational theories. It aims to provide students with the skills to understand examine and explain broad social trends and their impact on the individual. Key sociological concepts covered include class/socioeconomic status, gender, youth, ethnicity, family, work, consumption and location.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code SOCI 1003OL
    Course Introduction to Sociology
    Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s Online
    Units 3
    Contact Online
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Incompatible GWSI 1001, GWSI 1001EX, GSSA 1001, GSSA 1001EX
    Assessment Quiz x 2, Written assignment, Tutorial participation, Tutorial discussion board
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Pam Papadelos

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    1 Understand the role the social sciences play in critical discussions relating to Australian society specifically and more broadly on a global scale;
    2 Identify the characteristics of social science research, critical reading and analytical reading;
    3 Think critically about class, capitalism, economic inequality and power in the contemporary world;
    4 Be able to locate, access and evaluate a range of resources available to support critical research and writing;
    5 Demonstrate a critical approach to ethical issues in the context of public discourses about contemporary issues and debates;
    6 Be able to confidently engage with unfamiliar texts;
    7 Be able to prepare and deliver coherent and logically argued written texts;
    8 Demonstrate productive and respectful engagement with their peers in group work
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    3,4,6,7

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    7

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,3,4,6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    4,7

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    .

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    .

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,4,7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The reader will be available online.
    Recommended Resources
    All material for the course will be available through MyUni throughout the semester.
    Online Learning
    All material for the course will be available online
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The following topics will be covered in a weekly format.

    Schedule
    Week 1 What is sociology?
    Week 2 Sociological Foundations
    Week 3 Social Stratification: Class Inequality
    Week 4 Social Processes & Relationships
    Week 5 Essay Writing Exersize
    Week 6 Gender & Sexualities
    Week 7 Identity & Consumption
    Week 8 Aboriginality and Australia’s Indigenous Peoples
    Week 9 Culture, Ethnicity and Migration
    Week 10  Power/Knowledge




    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1x2hr lecture per week or equivalent 24 hours per semester
    1x1hr tutorial per week or equivalent 12 hours per semester
    6 hrs /wk on set tutorial readings 72 hours per semester
    2 hrs/wk research 24 hours per semester
    2 hrs/wk assignment preparation 24 hours per semester

    TOTAL = 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary

    Schedule
    Week 1 What is sociology?
    Week 2 Sociological Foundations
    Week 3 Social Stratification: Class Inequality
    Week 4 Social Processes & Relationships
    Week 5 Essay Writing Exersize
    Week 6 Gender & Sexualities
    Week 7 Identity & Consumption
    Week 8 Aboriginality and Australia’s Indigenous Peoples
    Week 9 Culture, Ethnicity and Migration
    Week 10  Power/Knowledge
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    On-Line Tutorial participation Formative and Summative 15% 1, 4, 6
    Quiz  Formative and Summative 15% 2, 3
    1500 word essay Formative and Summative 45% 1 - 6
    Multiple-answer test (online) Formative and Summative 25% 1 - 6
    Assessment Detail
    On-line Tutorial participation 15%
    Facilitating discussion in one on-line tutorial discussion:
    For each of the topics, students will be assigned to lead a tutorial discussion through answering the set tutorial questions based on the readings. 

    Completion of tutorial exercises:
    Each week you are asked to complete additional preparation for the tutorial, for example locating a newspaper article or completing an exercise before you log on to the tutorial. There is no make-up alternative to this exercise.

    Online Quiz 15%
    Multiple Choice Questions to be completed on-line within stated period.

    Essay 45%
    Develop skills in producing, sustaining, and coherently presenting a written and persuasive argument, using evidence from academic and other sources. Essay questions will be posted on MyUni.

    Online Quiz 25%
    Multiple Choice Questions to be completed on-line within stated period.
    Submission
    Online submission of all assignments
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

    Student feedback is always highly valued and we do our best to act upon it. 


  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.