Key facts
UNE unit code: SOCY110
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Understanding what a society is and how a society functions for individuals and groups will help you to make informed decisions about critical social issues that affect people in your community and the communities upon which you have influence.
Explore the foundational concepts of society and culture through classical and contemporary sociological accounts that consider changing patterns of society, cultural diversity, globalisation and global cultures, social groups and organisations, the social construction of everyday life, capitalism, work and consumption, political ideologies and systems, religion and belief, social change and the environment.
In this unit you will employ a global and comparative sociological perspective that recognises that we live in an interconnected and interdependent world with wide social, economic and cultural effects on the lives of all people, regardless of geographic location.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
There are no requisites for this unit.
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of the key concepts, theories, debates and approaches central to a sociological understanding of contemporary society at a foundational level;
- develop and apply critical-thinking skills through the formulation of questions that challenge common assumptions, the identification and evaluation of appropriate evidence, and the construction of reasoned and empirically sound conclusions; and
- review, analyse, identify and distinguish the tensions and contradictions within the discipline of sociology and its relationship with other social sciences.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Yes | 30% | All offerings | No. Words: 1800 |
| Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Supervised Exam. This online exam will be supervised via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. Students must pass the Assurance Task in order to pass the unit. No. Words: 2000 (equivalent) |
| Quiz 1 | No | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
| Quiz 2 | No | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Sociology
ISBN: 9781509564125
Anthony Giddens, Polity 10th 2026
Text refers to: All offerings
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