SOCI1001 Issues in Sociology

This topic is designed to introduce students to the sociological study of society. Sociology focuses on the systematic understanding of social interaction, social organisation, social institutions, and social change. Major themes in sociological thinking include the interplay between the individual and society, how society is both stable and changing, the causes and consequences of social inequality, and the social construction of human life. Understanding sociology helps discover and explain social patterns and see how such patterns change over time and in different settings. By making vivid the social basis of everyday life, sociology also develops critical thinking by revealing the social structures and processes that shape diverse forms of human life.

This topic aims to:

• Introduce sociological perspectives on social problems and moral issues of the contemporary era
• Examine the social processes and structures through which modern societies and contemporary culture is produced, reproduced and transformed
• Provide opportunities for the further development of skills, such as:
  • Critical analysis
  • Constructing a logical argument
  • Referencing
  • Self-directed and independent learning
  • Encourage constructive and informed participation in tutorials

1. Employ sociological and social scientific concepts to describe and explain social life
2. Analyse social interaction, social groups and social change using sociological and social scientific concepts
3. Apply different sociological theories to examine social issues