SOCI 4001 - Honours Sociological Theory

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

This course aims to provide an advanced exploration of the key theoretical perspectives that shape the field of Sociology. Skills are developed to understand society and the patterns of behaviour and structures that shape what people do. Throughout the course students explore cultural identities, social differences, and organisations.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code SOCI 4001
    Course Honours Sociological Theory
    Coordinating Unit Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact Up to 2 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange
    Prerequisites Completed degree (72 units) with a 24 unit Major in Sociology or Bachelor of Sociology at a Distinction average or equivalent as determined by Honours Coordinator/Department committee
    Restrictions Available only to students admitted to the relevant Honours program
    Course Description This course aims to provide an advanced exploration of the key theoretical perspectives that shape the field of Sociology. Skills are developed to understand society and the patterns of behaviour and structures that shape what people do. Throughout the course students explore cultural identities, social differences, and organisations.
    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 theory and practice of key concepts ‎in sociology
    2. critically evaluate contemporary debates around the key concepts;‎
    3. demonstrate high level critical analysis and thinking skills;‎
    4. apply high quality written and verbal communications skills;‎
    5. explore the contribution that sociological theory can make to wider debates in the twenty-first century.
    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, 5

    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

    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.

    4

    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.

    3, 4, 5

    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.

    2, 4

    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.

    2, 5
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

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

    WORKLOAD – STRUCTURED LEARNING
    1 x 2 hour lectures (includes small group work and seminar discussion 20

    TOTAL = 20

    WORKLOAD – SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
    13 hours reading per week 130 hours per semester
    8.1 hours research per week 81 hours per semester
    8.1 hours assignment preparation per week 81 hours per semester

    TOTAL =312

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • 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
    Critical essay Summative 50%
    Quizzes Summative 10%
    Thesis proposal Summative 40%
    Assessment Detail
    Critical Essay - Students will be required to write a 3,500 word essay addressing one of several questions about key theoretical debates (50%)
    Quizzes - Students will undertake regular quizzes based around set readings (10%)
    Thesis Proposal - Students will be required to write a 4,000 word thesis proposal which clearly describes the research project and robustly justifies the research project and the methods chosen to conduct it. (40%)
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

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

    M11 (Honours Mark Scheme)
    GradeGrade reflects following criteria for allocation of gradeReported on Official Transcript
    Fail A mark between 1-49 F
    Third Class A mark between 50-59 3
    Second Class Div B A mark between 60-69 2B
    Second Class Div A A mark between 70-79 2A
    First Class A mark between 80-100 1
    Result Pending An interim result RP
    Continuing Continuing CN

    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 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.