Stream

Sociology and Anthropology - SOCAA23403

Stream Summary

Faculty: ARTSC - Faculty of Arts&Social Science

School: School of Social Sciences

Contact: School of Social Sciences

Program: 3403 - Arts

Award(s):

Bachelor of Arts (Minor)

View stream information for previous years

Stream Outline

Sociology and Anthropology are disciplines for students with a special interest in the relations and interactions that constitute individuals, societies and cultures, and in the myriad forms of cooperation, conflict and communication which constitute any society. Both explore the social and cultural realities of human life, seeking to understand how we live our lives. What makes life meaningful? Why do we disagree? Why do we care? What constitutes change? Sociology and Anthropology at UNSW is known for its expertise in critical theory, feminist theory, and classical and contemporary social theory, along with a concern for community engagement, social justice and ethical praxis. We have a strong international reputation for theoretical innovation and teaching excellence.

Aims of the Minor Stream

For students to develop:
  • An understanding of key concepts and theoretical approaches that have developed and are developing within and between Sociology and Anthropology.
  • An understanding of the nature and extent of diversity and commonality as seen from a variety of perspectives, for example, social, cultural, biological, ecological.
  • An understanding of the value of analyses that consider relations between different times, different places and different cultures.
  • An understanding of the social nature of the relationship between individuals, groups and social institutions.
  • An understanding of the nature and appropriate use of research strategies and methods in gaining sociological and anthropological knowledge.
  • An appreciation of the relationship between local, social and global forms, and global processes and broader temporal developments, with particular reference to Australia’s place in the world.
  • An appreciation of the complexity of human experience, social situations and events, and an ability to assess the merits of competing explanations.
  • An ability to appreciate that human social life is part of a larger natural ecology.
  • An ability to question cultural assumptions, and think critically, imaginatively and creatively.
  • An ability to undertake independent study.
  • An ability to identify the ethical issues in social research.
  • An ability to undertake and present scholarly work that values reasoned and open-minded discussion and debate.
  • An ability to examine the relevance of sociological and anthropological work to issues in the community.

Stream Structure

A student who wishes to gain a minor stream in Sociology and Anthropology must complete 36 units of credit including 12 uoc at Level 1, at least 12 uoc at Level 2 and at least 12 uoc at Level 3.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3
Quad

Study Levels

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