This course investigates key contemporary theoretical approaches in Sociology. It exposes students to classical Sociological theories and to more recent theoretical interventions. Students will be introduced to some of Sociology's founding themes and will gain an historical perspective on ideas such as 'society', 'the social', and 'social science'. We will also look at some contemporary characterisations of society as, for example, 'urban' or  'biopolitical', and will consider the question of how sociology today can demonstrate its relevance to the world at large, with a special focus on debates about Public Sociology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of various theoretical approaches;
2. choose the most appropriate approach for a specific problem;
3. apply theory as a tool for the investigation of social issues; and
4. develop an appreciation for theoretical pluralism.

Research-Led Teaching

My teaching in this unit is informed by my enduring interest in social theory and its capacity to reinflect contemporary problems. My social theoretical reputation is largely in the area of Affect Theory but I have a broad theoretical knowledge on which this unit draws, in areas relating to power and resistance, black studies, posthumanism, art and artscience.

Field Trips

N/A

Additional Course Costs

N/A

Examination Material or equipment

There is no examination for this course.

Required Resources

There are no required resources for this course. The following listed readings are available on Wattle (full referencing details via wattle):

• Max Weber, ‘Science as a Vocation’
• Emile Durkheim, ‘What is a Social Fact?’
• Peter Sloterdijk, excerpt from Stress and Freedom
• Hannah Arendt, excerpt from The Human Condition
• Georg Simmel, ‘Metropolis and Mental Life’
• Abdou Maliq Simone, ‘City of Potentialities’
• Theodor Adorno, 'Facist Propaganda'
• Sigmund Freud, 'Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego'
• Frantz Fanon, ‘The Negro and Language’
• Nick Stevenson, ‘Human Rights and the Cosmpolitan Imagination’
• Michel Foucault, ‘Society Must be Defended’
• Nik Rose, ‘The Human Sciences in a Biological Age’
• Maurizzio Lazzarato, ‘Immaterial Labour’
• Christina Scharff, ‘The Psychic Life of Neoliberalism’
• Mariam Fraser, ‘The Sociological Problem’
• Judith Revel, 'Resistances, Subjectivities, Common'

Recommended Resources

All necessary materials will be available via wattle.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

The information published in this Class Summary may be subject to change, any changes in assessments or other course details will be communicated via Wattle and during the first week of the Semester. Any questions or concerns should be raised with the course convenor/lecturer as soon as possible.

Referencing requirements: All referencing should be in the Harvard (in-text) style.

Recycling: Material submitted for this course may be incorporated into the assessment for THES410X with proper acknowledgement as outlined in the CASS 2016 Honours guide (p. 11). However, this should be discussed with the course convenor in advance.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introductory Meet up
2	Sociology: The Science of Society
3	The Idea of Society 1: Wondering About Society
4	The Idea of Society 2: The Social and Modern Life
5	Urban Society
6	Mass Society and Group Psychology
7	Multicultural Society
8	Student Presentation (Peers)	Oral Presentation to peers due (in usual class time)
9	Biopolitical Society
10	The Production of Subjectivity
11	Student Presentation (School)	Oral Presentation to School due (in usual class time)
12	Conclusion	NB: Essay is due during the examination period

Tutorial Registration

Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Short paper 1	15 %	17/03/2025	28/03/2025	1,3,4
Short Paper 2	15 %	14/04/2025	25/04/2025	1,3,4
Oral Presentation in Class	10 %	23/04/2025	30/04/2025	2,3
Oral Presentation to School of Sociology	10 %	14/05/2025	20/05/2025	1,2,3,4
Essay	40 %	10/06/2025	24/06/2025	1,2,3,4
Participation	10 %	*	*	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

This grade assesses your participation in the seminars, not on the basis of your understanding of the material but on the basis of your efforts to work and engage with it. Students should read the readings in preparation for seminars and be prepared to discuss them with their peers. The point is not to get the readings 'right' before coming to class, but to seek to understand their key points, be active in asking questions, offering interpretations and contributing to the collaborative forum of the seminar.

Examination(s)

There is no examination for this course.

Assessment Task 1

Short paper 1

This is one of two short papers that you will be expected to submit early in the semester.

The short papers are 1000 words each in length and correspond to Learning Outcomes 1, 3 and 4. The aim of the assessment task is to encourage you to engage deeply with the readings and to think independently about sociological, and specifically theoretical, issues.

The task involves choosing the reading for a given week, forming a question in relation to it and working through your response to the question you have formed. Students may choose to discuss only one of the readings for a given week. Or, if there is more than one reading, they may put the readings into a dialogue with each other. For example, you may choose to discuss Arendt or Sloterdijk, or to discuss them in relation to one another.

You will be expected to engage with the reading(s) by working through a problem of your choice. For example, if you were interested in the piece by Arendt, your question might be something like, ‘What tension does Arendt see between the notion of the political and that of the social?’ Or, you may prefer to engage critically with her work (e.g. ‘How relevant is Arendt’s thesis for us today?).

Please ensure that you place the question that you are discussing at the top of the paper.

The paper is worth 15% of your total grade (the total of the two exercises is worth 30% of the overall course grade).

We will discuss this assessment task in the first seminar. 

Word limit (where applicable): 1000words

Value: 15%

Presentation requirements: While the papers is short, it should be presented in standard essay format, with Introduction, Body and Conclusion.

Estimated return date: Within one week of submission

Rubric

Problematisation	Understanding	Engagement	Argumentation	Expression	Organisation
Student demonstrates an ability to formulate a problem in relation to selected text(s)	Student demonstrates an understanding of the text(s) to which they are responding	Student demonstrates critical engagement with the text(s)	Student demonstrates an ability to present an argument informed by the text(s)	Student demonstrates efforts to express their ideas with clarity	Student demonstrates efforts to organise their ideas effectively

Assessment Task 2

Short Paper 2

This is one of two short papers that you will be expected to submit early in the semester.

The short papers are 1000 words each in length and correspond to Learning Outcomes 1, 3 and 4. The aim of the assessment task is to encourage you to engage deeply with the readings and to think independently about sociological, and specifically theoretical, issues.

The task involves choosing the reading for a given week, forming a question in relation to it and working through your response to the question you have formed. Students may choose to discuss only one of the readings for a given week. Or, if there is more than one reading, they may put the readings into a dialogue with each other. For example, you may choose to discuss Arendt or Sloterdijk, or to discuss them in relation to one another.

You will be expected to engage with the reading(s) by working through a problem of your choice. For example, if you were interested in the piece by Arendt, your question might be something like, ‘What tension does Arendt see between the notion of the political and that of the social?’ Or, you may prefer to engage critically with her work (e.g. ‘How relevant is Arendt’s thesis for us today?).

Please ensure that you place the question that you are discussing at the top of the paper.

The paper is worth 15% of your total grade (the total of the two exercises is worth 30% of the overall course grade).

We will discuss this assessment task in the first seminar. 

Word limit (where applicable): 1000words

Value: 15%

Presentation requirements: While the papers is short, it should be presented in standard essay format, with Introduction, Body and Conclusion.

Estimated return date: Within one week of submission

Rubric

Problematisation	Understanding	Engagement	Argumentation	Expression	Organisation
Student demonstrates an ability to formulate a problem in relation to selected text(s)	Student demonstrates an understanding of the text(s) to which they are responding	Student demonstrates critical engagement with the text(s)	Student demonstrates an ability to present an argument informed by the text(s)	Student demonstrates efforts to express their ideas with clarity	Student demonstrates efforts to organise their ideas effectively

Assessment Task 3

Oral Presentation in Class

Oral Presentation of 10 minutes, plus 5 minutes question time, to correspond to Learning Outcomes 1 to 4 (10%)

The presentation should cover the following:

• An overview of the development of the student’s research problem and discussion of how it will be addressed, with a focus on its theoretical aspects
• A consideration of the relationship between the theories that are influencing the thesis to date and the methodological approach employed in the thesis

We will discuss this task in the first seminar and in the early part of the course.

Rubric

Problematisation	Contribution to Debates	Theoretical Framework	Methodological Reflections	Timetable for Completion
Student communicates the central problem of their thesis at this point in time	Student demonstrates an understanding of the debates to which their thesis might contribute and a sense of the relevant literature	Student demonstrates an ability to reflect on the theoretical influences that it appears will be especially relevant to their thesis	Student demonstrates an emerging sense of the method and/or methodological issues relevant to their thesis at this point	Student has made clear efforts to develop a realistic timetable toward the timely completion of the thesis

Assessment Task 4

Oral Presentation to School of Sociology

Oral Presentation of 10 minutes, plus 5 minutes question time, to correspond to Learning Outcomes 1 to 4 (10%). This task will give you the opportunity to receive feedback from. the School of Sociology and will provide experience in presenting to an engaged and interested audience and in responding to feedback.

The presentation should cover the following:

• An update on the student’s research problem and how it will be addressed, with a focus on its theoretical aspects
• A consideration of the relationship between the theories that are influencing the thesis to date and the methodological approach employed in the thesis

We will discuss this task in the first seminar and throughout the semester

Rubric

Research Problem	Contribution to Debates	Theoretical Framework	Methodological Reflections	Timetable for Completion
Student demonstrates an ability to scope out a research problem and to communicate the central problem at the time of presentation	Student demonstrates an understanding of the debates to which their thesis has the potential to contribute and can outline which literatures are relevant to the thesis	Student demonstrates an ability to reflect on the theoretical perspectives and debates that are relevant to their thesis	Student demonstrates an ability to design a method appropriate to their problem and to reflect on the methodological issues relevant to their thesis at the point of presentation	Student has developed a realistic timetable toward the timely completion of the thesis

Assessment Task 5

Essay

Essay, to correspond to Learning Outcomes 1 to 4, 5,000 words (40%).

This assessment task will involve responding to a single essay question, which will be given out precisely two weeks before the essay due date. The question will be of a general nature, asking you to reflect on a contemporary problem by drawing on the materials studied in the course. There is no ‘correct’ answer to the question. Rather, you may respond to the question in your own fashion, so long as you draw on a minimum of three readings from the course. We will discuss this task in the first seminar and at the time that the essay question is made available

Word limit (where applicable): 5000 words

Value: 40%

Presentation requirements: The paper should be presented in standard essay format, with Introduction, Body and Conclusion

Estimated return date: Within two weeks of submission

Rubric

Research Skills	Argumentation	Critical Analysis	Expression	Organisation	Acknowledgment
Student demonstrates an ability to find scholarly sources relevant to research topic	Student demonstrates an ability to present a sustained argument that is informed by research and careful reading of texts	Student demonstrates a critical approach to the claims made by self and others	Student demonstrates effort to communicate ideas with maximum clarity	Student demonstrates an ability to organise their ideas for maximum clarity	Student demonstrates an understanding of, and commitment to, scholarly practices of acknowledging the sources of ideas

Assessment Task 6

Participation

This grade assesses your participation in the seminars, not on the basis of your understanding of the material, but on the basis of your efforts to work and engage with it. Students should read the readings in preparation for seminars and be prepared to discuss them with their peers. The point is not to get the readings 'right' but to be active in asking questions, offering interpretations and contributing to the collaborative forum of the seminar.

Value: 10%

Rubric

Participation	Reading	Participation	Awareness
Student demonstrates consistent participation throughout the semester	Student demonstrates evidence of having read and worked closely with assigned material	Student demonstrates clear efforts to contribute to class discussion informed by reading	Student demonstrates sensitivity to the dynamics of the classroom and the needs of other students

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

No hardcopy submission

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Student work is to be returned via wattle. 

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assignments is not permitted in this course. 

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students