166-087 Sociological Theory

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

25 points of first year sociology.

Semester

Subject Description

This subject provides students with the opportunity to explore both classical and contemporary sociological theory, and to critically analyse how those theories attempt to explain social relations. It examines the development of sociological theories which seek to explain questions of contemporary social organisation. As the subject proceeds, students will examine how researchers construct, evaluate, and modify theory to respond to empirical evidence. In this way, it should become evident that sociological theory is a constantly evolving phenomenon which responds to transformations in social relations and experience. Students have the opportunity to explore one or more theoretical approaches in depth through research papers in which they engage with theory in the context of contemporary sociological issues of their choice.