Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Sociology and Criminology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 1000 level in Sociology or 12 credit points of Cultural Studies or 12 credit points of Socio-legal Studies
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	SCLG2001 or SCLG2520
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sonja Van Wichelen, sonja.vanwichelen@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Freya Kerwick, freya.kerwick@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Half multiple-choice questions and half essay questions: students choose 3 of 6 essay questions to answer. Topics span Weeks 7-12.	30%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Short essay Draw on one of the theorists from Weeks 2-6	30%	Mid-semester break Due date: 09 Apr 2026 at 23:59	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Online reading reflection (EFT) Reflection on required reading of Week 2 or 3 (PART 1)	10%	Multiple weeks	450 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Online reading reflections Reflection on required reading from one of the weeks in PARTS 2, 3 & 4 (3 x 350 words)	20%	Multiple weeks	1050 words (3 x 350)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Active participation in tutorials	10%	Weekly	In class	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle 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

Participation
The participation mark assesses students' contribution to the lecture and tutorial and the depth of understanding displayed in discussions over the semester. Active participation means engaging in lively debate with your lecturers, tutors, and peers. Students should demonstrate knowledge of the readings and lectures, engage in group tasks, and have prepared answers for the tutorial discussion question that are provided with the weekly topic descriptions. A mark out of 10 is awarded for your semester-long contribution. It is possible for students to gain full marks for participation during the semester.

Online reading reflection
You are expected to read the required reading material for each thematic week (Weeks 2-12) and reflect critically on this material through an online submission of around 350 words. A mark out of 10 is awarded. The first one qualifies as an Early Feedback Task and is worth 10%. The other 4 submissions make up 20% of your overall mark.

Short essay
You will be required to draw on one of the theorists covered in the unit from Weeks 2-6 (Durkheim, Marx, Weber, Bourdieu, Foucault) and to link or apply the theory to a contemporary case of your choice. The assessment requires research and analysis.

Final exam
The final exam will take place during the formal exam period. It will consist half of multiple-choice questions, half of essay questions. You will be presented with a list of 6 essay questions of which you choose 3 to answer. Topics span Weeks 7-12 and include lecture material.

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.

Learning support

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

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction - What is theory? Why theory?	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction - What is theory? Why theory?	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Studying society ‘scientifically’: the origins of the discipline	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Studying society ‘scientifically’: the origins of the discipline	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 03	Constructivism and Interactionism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Constructivism and Interactionism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 04	Poststructuralism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Theories of Practice: Between Structure and Agency	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 05	Theories of Practice: Between Structure and Agency	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Poststructuralism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 06	Theorising Neoliberalism	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Theorising Neoliberalism	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 07	Feminist Theory	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Feminist Theory	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 08	Race and Postcolonial Theory	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Race and Postcolonial Theory	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 09	Theories of Labour & Exhaustion	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Theories of Labour & Exhaustion	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 10	Theories of Knowledge	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Theories of Knowledge	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 11	Science and Other Indigenous Knowledge Systems	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Science and Other Indigenous Knowledge Systems	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 12	Posthuman theories for a Sustainable Future	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Posthuman theories for a Sustainable Future	Tutorial (1 hr)
Week 13	Concluding lecture	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Concluding tutorial	Tutorial (1 hr)

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, 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 attendance is required and there will be a QR code made available in advance of each lecture to record your attendance.

Lecture recording: Most lectures (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students with disability plans or timetable clashes. However, you should not rely on lecture recording to substitute your classroom learning experience. Please contact the coordinator if you need to access lecture recordings.

Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Important note: You must submit/complete all assignments to pass the unit.

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

The readings for this unit are made up of journal articles and book chapters and are available through Canvas in the weekly pages.

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Canvas provides up-to-date and essential information on this unit of study. Please consult the following resources:

Weekly schedule for more detailed information on each of the weekly topics, tutorial discussion questions, and additional readings.
Assignments for more thorough explanation of the expectations around the submission of written work.
During the course of the semester, check the Canvas site for more information on the short essay and final exam.
Lecture slides will be made available on Canvas following the live lecture.

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.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SCLG2601: Explaining Society: Deploying Theory

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links