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Unit of study_
SCLG2601: Explaining Society: Deploying Theory
2025 unit information
This unit of study explores key sociological theories and theorists used in sociological work. We begin by asking: why study theory and what does theory enable us to do? We examine the main strands of early sociological thought and identify the key concepts, debates, and issues in the development of sociological theory. We then explore key ‘ways of knowing’ (theories) as they relate to power, covering perspectives such as post-structuralism, postcolonial theory, feminist theories, and theories of the more-than-human. Students will gain a knowledge of key theoretical perspectives—both how they relate to and challenge one another, and how they might help us navigate our social world.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Arts and Social Sciences
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Sociology and Criminology |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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12 credit points at 1000 level in Sociology or 12 credit points of Cultural Studies or 12 credit points of Socio-legal Studies |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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SCLG2001 or SCLG2520 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. gain knowledge of a range of classical and contemporary sociological theories
- LO2. demonstrate deep understanding of the history of the discipline of sociology within modernity
- LO3. gain knowledge of the limitations of this discipline with respect to its particular cultural bias
- LO4. refine your knowledge of the key theoretical and methodological differences in sociological theories
- LO5. apply a range of sociological theories to a variety of issues
- LO6. think creatively and imaginatively using sociological concepts and theories
- LO7. critically evaluate and compare a range of classical and contemporary sociological theories.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
