Sociology

Unit 1: Youth and family

In this unit, students will explore how and why the experience of being young differs, examining a range of factors which may lead to these variations in experience. They will draw on methods of science to understand who and why people behave the way they do when they interact in a group and attempt to do so with a reflective and critical mindset. Students will use sociological methodology to explore the social categories of youth and the social institution of family. They will explore different definitions of the family and investigate issues relating to the ever-changing nature of family and consider the key influences on family life and family as an institution.

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

Explore the way the category and experience of youth and their construction as social categories, and examine a range of factors that lead to different experiences of youth
Examine the tension between a need to define categories of youth and adolescence, and the negative impacts of categorisation and stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.
Analyse the social institution of families, drawing on a range of theoretical approaches to explain the purpose, experiences and the developments influencing the experience of family.

Unit 2: Social norms: breaking the code

In this unit, students will explore the concepts of deviance and crime, including how what is considered deviant behaviour may differ according to age, social status and across time and space. They will learn that crime and its definition are shaped by a community’s sense of what is considered to be right and wrong and explore the aims and rationale of punishment in Australian society.

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

Analyse a range of sociological theories explaining deviant behaviour and the impact of moral panic on those considered deviant
Discuss crime in Australia and evaluate the effectiveness of methods of punishment in the judicial system for shaping human behaviour.

Unit 3: Culture and ethnicity

In this unit, students explore expressions of culture and ethnicity within Australian society in two different contexts – Australian Indigenous cultures and ethnicity in relation to migrant groups.

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

Explore the historical suppression of and increasing public awareness of Australian Indigenous cultures and its influence on subsequent generations. They will examine the past and its influence on subsequent generations, as well as contemporary factors that may support and/or limit increasing awareness of Australian Indigenous cultures. Students will consider both indigenous and non- indigenous perspectives and responses in their exploration.
Develop an understanding of the supports and barriers that need to be considered when investigating experiences of ethnic identity and how individuals define themselves based on common heritage, language or religion.

Unit 4: Community, social movements and social change

In this unit students explore the ways sociologists have thought about the idea of community and how various forms of community are experienced. Students will investigate the role of social movements involving a group engaged in an organised effort to achieve social change. Students develop an understanding of the purpose evolution, power and outcomes of social movements

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

Analyse the experience of community generally and analyse and evaluate a specific community.
Analyse the nature and purpose of social movements and evaluate their influence on social change.