At a glance
A course where students explore how society shapes people, and how people shape society. Students learn to ask strong questions, examine evidence, and understand issues like identity, inequality, power and social change.
This course is a good choice for students who:
- like debating ideas and asking “why is this happening?”
- are interested in identity, culture, inequality, power and social change
- want strong skills in research, writing and critical thinking
About this course
Sociology helps students understand how people’s identities, beliefs and experiences are shaped by society across time and place. Students use sociological theories and research methods to explain social change and social issues, and practise building clear, evidence-based arguments. Assessment usually includes research and inquiry tasks, discussions/debates, and written or multimodal responses.
Pathways
This course can support pathways into areas such as:
- social sciences (for example, sociology, psychology, politics and human services)
- law, public service and community leadership roles
- any pathway that values research, critical thinking and clear communication
Units in this course
Students complete 2 units for a Minor or 4 units for a Major.
Constructing Identity
This unit explores how identity is shaped through socialisation, culture and relationships.
Students will:
- explore how identity can be shaped, limited or supported by society
- use sociological ideas and research methods to investigate identity in real examples
Understanding Difference
This unit explores how “difference” is socially constructed and how inequality can be created (for example through class, gender and race).
Students will:
- investigate how difference and inequality shape people’s lives and opportunities
- use sociological theories and methods to explain the origins and impacts of inequality
Applying Sociology
This unit explores how sociology can be used to understand real-world issues (for example crime and justice, politics, or health).
Students will:
- study a current issue using sociological concepts and case studies
- question assumptions and evaluate different explanations and responses
Structure and Agency
This unit explores how institutions and systems shape people’s choices (agency) and how power operates in society.
Students will:
- investigate how institutions affect individuals and groups in different ways
- apply sociological theories and methods to explain power, structure and change