Please note - Swinburne University of Technology

The subject also deals with social structures and power
relationships which shape the destinies of individuals and
groups. We will discuss such issues as social class, gender,
ethnicity and the state. The subject includes consideration of
the methods and theories whereby sociologists produce
knowledge about the social world.
Reference
To be advised
ASIOI
Sociology 1B
No. of hours per week: four and a half hours
daytime or three hours per week evening
Prerequisite: AS1 00
Assessment: essays, exercises and examination
Subject aims and description
This subject provides an introduction to sociological ways of
thinking about contemporary Australia. It examines changes
and controversies in the modern family including marriage,
divorce, the division of labour and violence in the family. It
also considers issues associated with governments and
markets, including spending and taxation, welfare and
crime. Finally, the subject provides an introduction to data
collection and analysis in social research.
Reference
To be advised
ASZO~
Models of Sociological Analysis
No. of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: AS1 00 and AS1 01, and AP112 for
students majoring in Australian Studies
Assessment: assignments and a test
Subject aims and description
No application of sociological techniques can be productive
without an understanding of the theoretical issues which
inform social explanation. This subject is designed to help
students consolidate and extend their knowledge of social
theory and to explore the ways in which social theory is
useful in addressing practical issues in social policy and
research.
This subject examines the most influential social theories,
their sources in nineteenth Century thought and their
influence on present-day social thinking. The works of Mam,
Weber and Durkheim and contemporary writings which build
on their ideas are discussed. Feminist and post-modern
theories are also considered. Theories are examined for their
core assumptions, ideological foundations and approaches
to knowledge. Class discussions are designed to enable
students to link these theoretical debates to current social
issues and to practical strategies of social research.
References
Farganis, 1. (ed.) Readings in Social Theor3 New York, McGraw-Hill,
1993
R~tzer, G. Soc~ological Theory 3rd edn, New York, McGraw-Hill,
1993
Thompson, K. and Tunstall, 1. SociologicalPerspectives.
Harmondsworth, Penguin, 1971
Ze~tlin, I. Ideology and the Development of Sociological Theory
5th edn, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice Hall, 1994
AS205
Sociology of Deviance and Social
Control
(This subject cannot be taken by students who
have passed AS202 Sociology of Deviance)
No, of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: AS1 00 and AS1 01 Assessment:
continuous
Subject aims and description
The study of deviant behaviour and social control raises
questions about the nature of social order and the use of
knowledge and power by some groups in society to reinforce
their positions of dominance and control.
This subject deals with persons and actions defined as socially
unacceptable and the attempts to control, reform or
eliminate them. The first part of the subject examines the
contributions a variety of sociological perspectives have
made to the understanding of deviant behaviour and the
social responses it evokes. Three main forms of control: the
criminal justice system, the medical, psychiatric, or
therapeutic system and the welfare system will be analysed
in the second section of the course. Finally, the ways in
which a sociological approach can inform policy and practice
in a number of specific social problem areas such as child
abuse, corporate crime, domestic violence and AIDS will be
identified.
References
Anleu, 5. Deviance, Conformity and Control. Melbourne, Longman
Cheshire, 1991
Findlay, M. and Hogg, R. (eds.) Understanding Crime and Criminal
Justice. Sydney, The Law Book Company, 1988
~ ~ 2 0 6 Sex and Gender in Society
No. of hours per week: three hours
Prerequisites: AS1 00 and either AS1 01 or AP1 12
for students majoring in Australian studies
Assessment: two essays and a class test
Subject aims and description
This subject examines the ways in which the biological
differences between men and women are socially structured
to produce gender differences within and between societies.
It analyses arguments about male-female differences and the
idealogical uses of these arguments.
All social institutions encode gender, but two in which
gender is of central importance (family and work) are
examined in detail. The ways in which these institutions are
built on and, in turn, contribute to gender divisions in
Australian society are studied.
Sexuality is considered in the context of its implications for
social structures and the social meanings attached to
heterosexuality and homosexuality.
The relationships between power, gender and sexuality are
explored, including social and political power and sexual
violence.
References
Connell, R. Gender and Power. Sydney, Allen & Unwin, 1987
Eisenstein, H. Contemporary Feminist Thought London, Unwin, 1984
Hughes, K.P. (ed.), Contemporary Australian Feminism, Melbourne,
Longman Cheshire, 1994