SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE
SOC3SOC
Not currently offered
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.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Trevor Hogan
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: SOC2SOC
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/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)