This course examines economic life from a sociological perspective, looking beyond abstract representations of production and exchange to consider the social relations of those living and labouring under different circumstances. It introduces students to key strands of social theory that help us understand how social inequalities are produced, reproduced, and contested via the world of work and its organisation at local and global scales. Focussing on class, gender, and race/ethnicity - as well as their intersectionality - students will develop a critical awareness of 'who does what' in the global economy, why some forms of work (whether paid or unpaid) are valued more than others, and how material deprivation and social disadvantage are mutually reproduced. We will consider key issues relating to the transition from industrial to post-industrial societies in the Global North, while working to de-centre Eurocentric perspectives by resituating key debates in Global South contexts where the majority of the world live and work.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and critically analyse sociological theories relating to the organisation of economy and society;
- apply these theories to everyday life and contemporary social issues;
- evaluate the relevance of these theories across a diversity of real-world settings; and
- demonstrate their knowledge of course content using written and audiovisual media
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Short Essay: 1000 words (25) [LO 1,3,4]
- Group Video Project: 4 minute video with script (1500 words equivalent) (30) [LO 1,2,4]
- Take-Home Examination: 1500 words (35) [LO 1,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 35 hours of contact over 12 weeks (lectures and student-led tutorials);
b) 95 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Prescribed Texts
Not applicable
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9253 | 21 Jul 2025 | 28 Jul 2025 | 31 Aug 2025 | 24 Oct 2025 | In Person | N/A |