soc3soc sociology of culture
SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE
SOC3SOC
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
What makes a human being? What shapes character? What gives people direction and makes their lives meaningful? Which laws are obeyed, and why? In which way does a society form, or alternatively, deform, its individuals? In this subject we look at the central role 'culture' plays in all these issues. We consider repression and shame, authority and myth, initiation and psychic balance, transgression and forgiveness, and attempts to show how such forces conspire to create culture. Every culture draws its strength both from a body of moral laws and a collection of recurring archetypal stories. Drawing upon Western literature, art and film we go on to examine cultural breakdown and its dire consequences for both individual and society. At the same time we look at the nature of cultural restoration.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorJohn Carroll
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects SOC2SOC
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | The birth of tragedy | Prescribed | Nietzsche, F | ANY EDITION |
| Readings | Heart of darkness | Preliminary | Conrad, J | ANY EDITION |
| Readings | The last days of Socrates | Preliminary | Plato | ANY EDITION |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Critically evaluate theories and arguments in relation to cultural sociology
- Activities:
- Seminar and essays at a higher standard
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
02. Demonstrate and apply a clear and original interpretation of texts
- Activities:
- Seminar and essays at a higher standard
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
03. Display critical and reflective thinking on the nature and role of culture
- Activities:
- Seminar and essays at a higher standard
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
04. Present a complex sustained written argument in cultural sociology
- Activities:
- Essays at a higher standard
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
- Creative Problem-solving(Creative Problem-solving)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJohn Carroll
Class requirements
Lecture/SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture/seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| one 1,500-word essay | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| one 2,500-word essay | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |