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Contents

Subject Overview

Sociology is fundamentally concerned with how power works in capitalist societies, which is why Sociology is committed to honing a critical lens on social life. This discipline looks at how people interact with one another, the institutions they create, and the cultural beliefs and practices that shape their lives. This work aims to understand why inequalities exist in the ways they do and how to make the world a more just place to live. Sociologists study colonialism, racial and environmental (in)justice, migration, health inequalities and health systems, sexuality and gender, class and labour issues, legal and penal systems, disasters, social problems and possibilities related to science and technology, social policy, critical social theories, and much more.

To understand how power works, students develop a range of research and analytical skills that enable them to become creative problem solvers. Courses in sociology cultivate learning environments that encourage independent thinking, writing for many different audiences, diagnosing problems, thinking through possible solutions, and a mix of independent and collaborative work.

Knowledge and Skills

The study of Sociology includes four broad themes.
By taking a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Sociology, you can move between these groupings and take the courses that interest you.
Cultural sociology - It explores cultural phenomena and how they shape and are shaped by societies. You can study the world of image and representation in areas such as the media.
Applied sociology and social policy - Social policy is concerned with systems of government and community response to perceived social problems, such as health, illness and wellbeing.
Power and resistance - Society has established frameworks for regulating and influencing human behaviour, but these frameworks are always contested. Some of the most important examples are sexuality, procreation and intimate relationships.
Comparative sociology and the global society - This approach compares societies globally, regionally, nationally and over time. Topics range from the development of regional organisations in the Pacific to understanding of death in different cultures.

Potential Careers

Sociology develops students’ analytical and research skills, which they can apply across various careers. Sociologists care about understanding how the world works, why inequality exists, and how to leave our communities and institutions better than we found them. As such, Sociology graduates have gone on to jobs in policy analysis, law, media and journalism, gender and sexual violence prevention, union advocacy, central and local government, economic and social justice organizations, environmental activism, marketing, business and more.
As with other majors in Arts, Sociology is not just concerned with preparing students for their first job out of university. We are committed to building the critical thinking skills and dispositions that prepare students for jobs that haven’t even been invented yet, to be agents for change who can help solve complex social problems, now and into the future.

Other information

You can take a major in Sociology as one of your two BA majors (a double major).
You will need to pass at least 120 points (eight courses) towards each of your majors, including at least 45 points (three courses) at Stage III.

Schedule

Plan Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 15 points for all Compulsory Course, and
  • 105 points from Elective Courses

Selected courses must include at least 45 points at level 300.

Compulsory Course

Complete 15 points for ALL of the following:

Elective Courses

Complete exactly 105 points from the following: