The sociological imagination involves paying attention to the mundane aspects of everyday life while simultaneously reflecting theoretically on these aspects. This course will provide training in the main methods used by sociologists: interviews, observations, archives/document analysis and statistics. As advanced training in methodology for Honours students, the course also emphasises the relationship between research practices and theoretical and epistemological issues. The guiding principle of the course is reflexivity - ongoing reflection on the conditions under which any knowledge is produced.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- identify and explain key methodological issues in sociological research;
- select and carry out a range of social research methods; and
- develop an informed argument about methodological processes in social research.
Indicative Assessment
- Observation analysis (1500 words) (25) [LO 1,2]
- Interview analysis OR Statistics and archives analysis 2000 words (35) [LO 1,2]
- Research essay (2500 words ) (40) [LO 1,2,3]
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
260 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of seminars and 12 hours of research consultations
b) 224 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Not required
Assumed Knowledge
Completion of a cognate major
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:
- 12 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 |
|---|---|
| 12.00 | 0.25000 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2292 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |