Offered By	ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Academic Contact	Dr Alastair Greig

Sociology is the study of social relationships in their various forms and of the social institutions and organisations that make up society. Sociologists study the significant changes in the contemporary world which include the transformation in work arrangements, family life, growing inequalities between groups of people and the impact of information technology on everyday life. Emphasis is placed on the social forces and constraints which influence the way both small groups and large institutions work. By studying sociology, students learn to understand how individuals and groups shape and are shaped by their social world. Additionally, students learn methodologies and techniques that help them, as independent researchers, in developing skills necessary to study social change.

The first-year courses, SOCY1002 Self and Society and SOCY1004 Introduction to Social Psychology (Sociology), provide a sociological perspective and introduce some basic sociological concepts and principles.

The Convenor and members of staff are happy to offer advice on the choice of courses.

All first-year and most later-year courses are 6 units. These courses involve approximately 32 contact hours over a semester.

As far as possible forms of assessment in each course will be discussed with students before being finalised (see Faculty entry on assessment).

Requirements

A major in Sociology consists of any courses listed in this entry to the total value of 42 units consisting of a maximum of 12 units at first year level plus a minimum of 30 units at later year level.

First Year Courses
Although students may enrol in any number of first year Sociology courses, not more than two can be included in a major. First year courses may be taken in any order.

The courses Self and Society SOCY1002 and Introduction to Social Psychology (Sociology) SOCY1004 may not be combined in a degree with the former SOCY1001.

For information on entry requirements for Honours in Sociology see the Sociology Honours entry.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.