2005 Handbooks

This is an exciting and yet troubling time to be studying Australian society. Social institutions, such as the family, community and work, seem to have changed their form or have come to have new meanings in these uncertain times. Australian society is caught up with global economic and social currents and a retreat to a more comfortable, isolated position no longer seems possible. Individuals, faced with social changes such as these, are understandably disoriented. How is it possible to understand these changes? Does understanding give more control over the pace and direction of change?

This course is designed to help you develop your sociological imagination and learn vocational skills for your future life. You will be introduced to many of the ways in which sociologists think about our most intimate aspects of life -- such as sexuality, the family and gender -- as well as to larger and often impersonal structural features, such as social class, the labour market and social policy. You will have the opportunity to use social research techniques such as interviews and observation in the real world, as well as to uncover the secrets often hidden in other sources of information and data.