CULT 1026 Understanding Society (UG Cert)

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 500042

Coordinator Jack Isherwood Opens in new window

Description Understanding Society introduces students to key sociological concepts, methods and theories used for the examination of individuals, social interactions, institutions and structures. Students explore how individual experiences are connected to wider social patterns. Considering questions of power, students will be introduced to various debates concerning structure and agency and will examine social inequality. With a focus on contemporary social life, the unit provides opportunity for students to consider current social issues and processes of social change. At the conclusion of their studies in this unit students will have been presented with opportunities to develop skills in critical reading and sociological analysis.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Society and Culture, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 1 subject

Equivalent Subjects HUMN 1037 - Introduction to Sociology CULT 1017 - Understanding Society CULT 1019 - Understanding Society (WSTC)

Restrictions Students must be enrolled in program 7170 - Undergraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Counselling.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

Explain key concepts in sociology.
Identify key characteristics of the major theoretical frameworks used in sociology.
Identify relevant sources and assess approaches to and claims about social processes and institutions in contemporary society.
Apply a sociological understanding of power, social inequality and social change to case study materials.
Demonstrate reading, writing and referencing skills commensurate with university scholarship.

Subject Content

The Sociological Perspective
Individual and social identities
Social groups and relationships
Social institutions
Power, structure and agency
Social Inequality
Social Change

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item	Length	Percent	Threshold	Individual/Group Task
Portfolio	300 words per discussion entry (900 total)	30	N	Individual
Short Answer	900 words	20	N	Individual
Peer Review	300 Words	10	N	Individual
Case Study	1200 words	40	N	Individual