SOCI 1003OL - Introduction to Sociology

Online - Semester 1 - 2020

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
    Course Description 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.
    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
    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 Be able to locate, access and evaluate a range of resources available to support critical research and writing;
    4 Demonstrate a critical approach to ethical issues in the context of public discourses about contemporary issues and debates;
    5 Be able to confidently engage with unfamiliar texts;
    6 Be able to prepare and deliver coherent and logically argued written texts;
    7 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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    3,4,6,7
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    7
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1,3,4,6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    4,7
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1,4,7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The reader will also 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

    1 What is sociology?
    2 NO LECTURE – NO TUTORIALS THIS WEEK (Public Holiday)
    3 Sociological Foundations
    4 Social Stratification: Class Inequality
    5 Weber & Organisation Theory
    6 Gender and Sexualities
    7 Identity & Consumption
    8 Aboriginality and Australia’s Indigenous Peoples
    9 Culture, Ethnicity & Migration
    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
    WEEK     LECTURE TOPIC

    1           What is sociology?

    2            Sociological Foundations

    3           Social Stratification: Class Inequality

    4            Weber and Organisation Theory

    5           Essay Writing Exersize - no tutorial

    6           Gender & Sexualities

    7           Identity & Consumption

    8           Aboriginality and Australia’s Indigenous Peoples

    9           Culture, Ethnicity and Migration

    10         Power/Knowledge

    11         Conclusion
  • 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   COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME(S)

    On-Line Tutorial participation          Formative and Summative              10%               1, 4, 6

    Quiz                                              Formative and Summative               5%                 2,3

    800 word paper                             Formative and Summative              20%                1-6

    1500 word essay                           Formative and Summative              45%               1-6

    Multiple-answer test (online)          Formative and Summative              20%               1-6
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students are required to complete all assessment activities to be eligible to pass the course.
    Assessment Detail
    On-line Tutorial participation 10%
    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 5%
    Multiple Choice Questions to be completed on-line within stated period.

    Small Written assignment 25%

    Respond to a set question in essay format - 800 words.

    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 20%
    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.

    Students in the previous cohort provided the following feedback in the course SELTs. Student feedback is always highly valued and we do our best to act upon it. 9 students participated in the SELTs which constituted 26% of the class. I have made some refinements to the course/my teaching based on the feedback. I have summarised the areas of particular strength in both the Likert Scale and open-ended questions below as well as areas for improvement along with my responses to your colleagues’ feedback. 

    There was a broad agreement of 100% to question 1 - Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of this course (mean score of 6 out of 7). The students noted that the best aspect of the course was the lectures. While no specific improvements were noted in the SELTs the teaching team is constantly looking for ways of improving the course. 


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