Unit outline_

SCLG1001: Introduction to Sociology 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

How does society shape the world we live in? What influences interactions between people in everyday life? Why is society structured the way it is, and is change possible? By delving into diverse topics such as discrimination and inequality to family life and friendship, this unit introduces the conceptual tools sociologists use to explain the world.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Sociology and Criminology
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Beatriz Carrillo Garcia, beatriz.carrillogarcia@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Final exam
Pen-and-paper exam: multiple-choice and essay questions. Covers content from Weeks 7 to 12.
50% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
In-person written or creative task In-class quiz
Four pen-and-paper quizzes: short-answer questions covering weekly topics
10% Multiple weeks 4x 250 words = 1000 words AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
Online quiz: multiple-choice questions
0% Week 03
Due date: 15 Mar 2026 at 23:59
30 minutes AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Written work Short essay
Covers content from Weeks 2 to 6
30% Week 08
Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 23:59
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO5
Contribution Tutorial contribution
Active participation/contribution in tutorials
10% Weekly In class AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a Credit a good standard, and a Pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to the unit of study Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction to the unit of study Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 What is Sociology? Sociology as an integrative social science Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
What is Sociology? Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 Coloniality and sociological knowledge Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Coloniality and sociological knowledge Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Classical sociology: Modernity, rationalisation, alienation, and capitalism Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Classical sociology: Modernity, rationalisation, alienation, and capitalism Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Culture 1: Culture and social norms Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Culture 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Culture 2: Culture, meaning and decolonial perspectives Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Culture 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Identity 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Identity 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Identity 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Identity 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Power 1 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Power 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Power 2 Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Power 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Globalisation 1: Migration Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Globalisation 1: Migration Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Environment, social justice and more-than-human relations Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Environment, social justice and more-than-human relations Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Review Lecture and Exam Preparation Discussion Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Review Lecture and Exam Preparation Discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes (tutorials), regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
  • Lecture recording: Lectures will be recorded and made available to students through the Canvas site.
  • Preparation: Students should commit to spending approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Recommended textbook: 

Holmes, David; Hughes, Kate; and Julian, Roberta 2015, Australian Sociology: A Changing Society 4th Edition, Pearson Australia.

Reading is essential for success in this unit. We have structured the weekly readings to allow you to understand basic sociological concepts, understand how these are applied to contemporary social problems today, but also to have an opportunity to read from 'classic' sociologists.

The required readings for each week will thus draw from the textbook as well as from other academic sources, which will be listed in the Canvas site and will be available electronically through the Reading List link.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand a range of existing fields of sociological theory and research, and develop skills in new knowledge and understanding about social life. In particular, you will: become acquainted with the basic concepts and methods of sociological enquiry and how to apply these in developing your own understanding of the societies in which you live; be able to acquire and evaluate new knowledge through independent research; be able to identify, define, investigate, and solve problems; think independently, analytically and creatively; and exercise critical judgement and critical thinking to create new modes of understanding.
  • LO2. find and use information effectively in a variety of contexts. In particular, you will: i. recognize what types of information you require for particular purposes; ii. become acquainted with the basic concepts and methods of sociological enquiry and how to apply these in developing your own understanding of the society in which you live; iii. be able to use academic and non-academic information resources, with a particular focus on how to access both open and proprietary web interfaces; and iv. use information effectively in critical and creative thinking.
  • LO3. work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges. You will: i. become an independent learner who takes responsibility for your own learning; ii. set appropriate goals for ongoing intellectual and professional development, and evaluate your own performance effectively; iii. be intellectually curious, open to new ideas, methods and ways of thinking, and able to sustain intellectual interest; iv. respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts; and v. work effectively in teams and other collaborative contexts.
  • LO4. develop personal values and beliefs consistent with your role as responsible members of local, national, international, and professional communities. You will: i. understand and practise the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with the discipline; ii. be informed and open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world; iii. appreciate your ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community, and the environment; and iv. be aware that knowledge is not value-free.
  • LO5. develop the capacity to recognise and value communication as a tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, interacting with others, and furthering your own learning. You will: i. develop your written, oral, and multimedia communication skills in a variety of learning tasks; ii. recognise the importance of continuing to develop your oral, visual, and written communication skills; and iii. be able to use appropriate communication technologies.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The teaching team of this unit reviews the curriculum and content every year in order to provide students with a range of themes and learning resources that are engaging and that provide them with opportunities for critical reflection.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.