soc3soc sociology of culture

SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE

SOC3SOC

2017

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-ordinatorWendy Mee

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 TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsThe birth of tragedyPrescribedNietzsche, FANY EDITION
ReadingsHeart of darknessPreliminaryConrad, JANY EDITION
ReadingsThe last days of SocratesPreliminaryPlatoANY 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

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorWendy Mee

Class requirements

LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via blended.

WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
one 1,500-word essay4001, 02, 03, 04
one 2,500-word essay6001, 02, 03, 04