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Courses - Faculty of Arts


Sociology

Stage I

SOCIOL 100
15 Points

Issues and Themes in Sociology

Introduction to sociology as a discipline and a review of some of its internal debates. Topics include: social class, gender, globalisation, power, sexual identity and family. Draws on material from a range of societies.

SOCIOL 101
15 Points

SOCIOL 101G
15 Points

Understanding Aotearoa New Zealand

Provides an introduction to the sociological analysis of New Zealand society. Looks at familiar events, institutions, social processes from a sociological point of view and offers ways to understand them in new and different ways. Focuses on the structure of New Zealand society and on social and political changes which affect the lives of New Zealanders and shape their society.

SOCIOL 103
15 Points

Aotearoa New Zealand Social Policy and Social Justice

Provides an overview of key contemporary social policy issues within the context of globalising economic processes and continuing gendered and racialised divisions. Discusses the way in which debates around social policy are constructed and the implications this has for social justice. Case studies may include food and health, technology, indigeneity and children.

SOCIOL 105
15 Points

Cultural Studies and Society

A cultural studies approach to social life focuses on the way we experience the world, taking account of what we see, what we hear, what we consume and how we communicate. Sociological theory will be explored through investigating different cultural forms including film, advertising, art, social media, sport, and video games.

Stage II

SOCIOL 200
15 Points

Sociological Theory

Aims to map the social condition through theorists who also emphasise the need to transform it. Focuses on material existence, how it is interpreted through language and the investment of people in oppressive regimes, ideologies and discourses. Develops critical perspectives on the intersections of class, race, gender and sexuality.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Sociology or 15 points at Stage I in Sociology with a minimum B+ pass

SOCIOL 203
15 Points

Social Reality and Ideology

Sociologists construe ideology as ideas that conceal social inequalities. This course explores the meaning of ideology and some of its related concepts, such as hegemony, discourse, and subjugation. It then critically analyses some of the most pervasive contemporary ideologies. Although not exhaustive, examples include beliefs about personal responsibility, corporate job creators, faith in technology, and crime and deviance.

Prerequisite: 60 points passed from BA courses

SOCIOL 204
15 Points

Special Topic: Social Control

Analyses the means by which different institutions, groups and individuals control the actions, behaviours and thoughts of people in contemporary modern societies, including our own. Discusses controllers, their targets, the mechanisms they employ, the goals they seek to accomplish, and the means by which people resist. Prompts students to reflect how controlling processes have affected their everyday life.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Sociology or 15 points at Stage I in Sociology with a minimum B+ pass or 90 points passed

SOCIOL 205
15 Points

Special Topic: Sociology of Subcultures

Through consideration of sociological theory from the Chicago School, British Cultural Studies, and postmodernism, this course investigates marginal, non-normative, and socially deviant group formations considered as ‘subcultural’. This will include critical consideration of the social, economic, and political dynamics in which specific group practices and identities of subcultures such as ravers, punks, and skaters take shape in capitalist society.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Sociology or 15 points at Stage I in Sociology with a minimum B+ pass

Restriction: SOCIOL 225

SOCIOL 207
15 Points

Sociology of Gender and Families

Focuses on the interrelationship between gender, sexuality and families in New Zealand and other Western societies. Through an examination of important moments in the life course of families – for example, partnering and parenting – it explores changes and continuities in the gendered norms, identities, practices and patterns that characterise contemporary family life.

Prerequisite: 30 points in Sociology or Gender Studies or 60 points passed

Restriction: SOCIOL 214, SOCIOL 222

SOCIOL 208
15 Points

Economy and Society

Examines the changing relations between work and life outside of paid employment. Particular attention is paid to new forms of expropriation that profit from claiming private ownership of collective effort, ideas and cultural forms. These developments are crucial to understanding and contesting social inequality, globalisation, organisational restructuring and new technologies. Course material is drawn from international literatures and is grounded in an understanding of contemporary New Zealand.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Employment Relations and Organisational Studies or Sociology or 15 points at Stage I in Sociology with a B+ or higher, or 30 points in International Relations and Business

SOCIOL 210
15 Points

Colonisation, Globalisation and Social Justice

Charts the political, economic, cultural and ecological consequences of imperialism, colonisation, globalisation, aid and development, up to and including the IMF/World Bank's neoliberalism and structural adjustment programme. It pays particular attention to violence (physical, psychological and ideological), environmental consequences and health impacts in these contexts.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Sociology or Employment Relations and Organisational Studies, or 15 points at Stage I in Sociology with a B+ or higher, or 30 points in Global Politics and Human Rights, or 30 points at Stage I in BC courses

SOCIOL 211
15 Points

Sociology of Popular Culture

Popular culture appears to be everywhere, but what political and social effects might all this popular entertainment have on us? This course seeks to answer such questions through a sociological interpretation of popular culture as both an indicator of social change and as a location of meaning and significance. Topics include reality TV, celebrities, consumption, music, and technology.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Sociology, or 15 points at Stage I in Sociology with a B+ or higher, or 30 points from COMMS 100, FTVMS 100, 101, MEDIA 101, or 30 points from Comparative Literature

SOCIOL 213
15 Points

Ethnicity and Identity

Charts the development of the concepts of racial, national, ethnic and indigenous identities in relation to the histories of modernity and colonisation and then uses these concepts to analyse a range of contemporary issues of identity and belonging.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Sociology or 15 points at Stage I in Sociology with at least a B+ average or 30 points at Stage I in Global Studies with at least a B+ average, or 90 points passed

SOCIOL 228
15 Points

Special Topic

SOCIOL 229
15 Points

Environmental Sociology

Environmental sociology provides insight into the complex social processes that define, create and even threaten our natural environment. This course gives tools with which to think sociologically about environmental issues, such as understanding how environmental issues come to be seen as environmental problems, and how political, cultural, and economic factors have come to shape our interaction with the natural environment.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage I in Sociology, or 30 points from ENVSCI 101, 201, GEOG 102, 205, or COMMS 102 and 15 points from ENVSCI 101, SOCIOL 100

Stage III

SOCIOL 300
15 Points

Feminist, Anti-Colonial and Post-Capitalist Technofutures

Introduces students to theoretical approaches for understanding the social, material and power (political) dimensions of science and technology, as well as practical approaches for imagining and enacting more ethical, equitable, collaborative and anti-colonial technofutures. Topics studied include: science, technology and social theory; feminist, anti-colonial and post-capitalist approaches to science and technology; translating knowledge to engage public audiences.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology, or COMMS 103 and 208

Restriction: SOCIOL 311

SOCIOL 301
15 Points

Critical Theory and Society

Critical theory seeks to understand the multiple contradictions of society and to offer roadmaps for progressive social change. This course explores foundational ideas in the tradition of critical theory and in contemporary critical thought. Critical theories are situated in the social and historical contexts from which they arise and are scrutinised for their relevance to contemporary struggles for social justice.

Prerequisite: SOCIOL 200 or 30 points above Stage I in BA or Global Studies courses

SOCIOL 305
15 Points

Special Topic

SOCIOL 307
15 Points

The Pacific in the World

Brief history of post Second World War theories of economic development and modern world systems. Explores Pacific responses to world systems such as colonisation, capitalism, globalisation and militarisation. Examines Pacific relations with colonial and imperial powers such as Aotearoa New Zealand, Britain, and US. Analyses the limitations of world systems models.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Environment and Sustainable Development or Sociology

SOCIOL 309
15 Points

Migration, Borders and Displacement

Examines the relationship between national borders and international migration alongside an exploration of critical theories of the drivers, management and experience of displacement. Particular attention is paid to representations of migration, political and policy responses to migration, and patterns of involuntary, labour, lifestyle and educational migration.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights or Sociology

Restriction: SOCIOL 306

SOCIOL 310
15 Points

Researching Social Problems

Develops skills in integrating theory and methods so that students can critically engage with social problems using a sociological lens both inside and outside the university.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology or 60 points passed at Stage II from BA courses

SOCIOL 315
15 Points

Law, Inequality and the State

Examines, in a comparative mode, how law as a set of social relations and categories can both create and remedy inequalities of gender, race, and class.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology or 15 points from CRIM 201, 202 or 30 points at Stage II in Global Politics and Human Rights

Restriction: SOCIOL 215

SOCIOL 316
15 Points

Critical Theories of Schooling

Compulsory schooling in western society has traditionally been seen as a significant instrument of socialisation, progression and economic advancement for young people. The course will engage students in ideas which challenge this view by drawing on critical theories such as Labelling, Marxist, Foucauldian, and Anarchist theory, and exploring topics including colonialism, patriarchy, racism, and the social control of youth.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology

SOCIOL 318
15 Points

Sociology of the Media

An exploration of the relationship and patterns of interaction between media, culture and society through an examination of the print and broadcasting media, and advertising in New Zealand.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology, or Media, Film and Television, or Communication

SOCIOL 322
15 Points

A Sociology of Relational Life

Introduces students to new developments in sociology by examining the significance of our relationships to others: intimate partners, friends, acquaintances, and even pets. The course considers the ways relationships are embedded in life through everyday practices, sharing photographs, and telling stories. In so doing, it engages with contemporary debates about the rise of individualism and the decline of family life.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology

SOCIOL 326
15 Points

Sociology of Violence and Death

Drawing on writings from a variety of intellectual traditions, this course explores the contested nature of violence through an examination of a number of contemporary debates about the causes, agents, consequences, as well as responses to and interventions in, incidents of violence.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology, or 15 points at Stage II in Sociology and CRIM 201 or 202, or 30 points at Stage II in Health and Society

SOCIOL 330
15 Points

Special Topic

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology

SOCIOL 333
15 Points

Sociology of Health, Illness, and Medicine

Presents a conceptual and topical overview of the Sociology of Health, Illness, and Medicine. Specific topics to be addressed include: the social distribution of disease; the social production of disease; the social construction of 'illness'; the social construction of treatment practices; patient experiences of illness and healthcare; the social organisation of medicine; and alternative visions of healthcare.

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology, or COMMS 212 and 15 points in Sociology, or 30 points in Health and Society, or HLTHSOC 100 with a B+ or better

SOCIOL 339
15 Points

Special Topic

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology

SOCIOL 340
15 Points

Special Topic

Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Sociology

Postgraduate 700 Level Courses

SOCIOL 700
30 Points

Advanced Sociological Theory

Explores gender and sexuality through theories influenced by Marx and Freud. Deleuze (with Felix Guattari) and Lacan are typically used to problematise the relationship of the subject to the capitalist patriarchy. Draws on feminist, queer and trans theory. Scope to research on alternative themes such as race.

Restriction: SOCIOL 733

SOCIOL 701
30 Points

Advanced Skills in Research

Examination of sociological issues in research design, execution, analysis and interpretation. Particular attention is paid to computer assisted data and benefits of employing multiple methods.

Restriction: SOCSCRES 702, 703

SOCIOL 703
30 Points

Sociology of Mental Health

Interrogates advanced sociological theories of medicine and psychiatry, investigating mental health interventions as social, economic, cultural and political projects. Key issues will include The Enlightenment and theories of the self, the rise of science and the 'psy' professionals, institutionalisation and community care, current sociological theories of mental health, the medicalisation of everyday life, and gender, race and mental illness.

SOCIOL 706
30 Points

Special Topic: The Sociology of Disasters

Disasters are increasing in scale, cost, frequency and severity. This course examines their causes and consequences and considers their future avoidance. In doing so it draws on social theory, Science and Technology Studies, and broad literatures on disaster. Topics include: the risk society thesis, the social patterning of disasters, and the political economy of disasters (disaster capitalism).

SOCIOL 707
30 Points

Special Topic: Governing Population and Society

Explores the relationship between population, state and society with a particular emphasis on the settler colonial and post colonial context of Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific. Social theories of biopolitics, gender, racism and technology are examined in order to develop critical insights into population ‘problems’ of migration, borders, fertility/mortality, citizenship and diversity.

SOCIOL 709
30 Points

Special Topic: Sociology of Universities

Interrogates the purpose of a university from a sociological lens. Explores how the university is imagined and the different social drivers that guide the ‘purpose’ of a university. Topics include non-performative diversity, the university as a site for ‘cultural wars’, the neoliberal university, critic and conscience and academic freedom.

SOCIOL 710
30 Points

Special Topic: Environmental Justice and Environmental Crimes

An advanced study of sociological and green criminology approaches to environmental harms that illuminates the complex social processes that creates them. This course critically analyses phenomenon that harms humans, non-humans and the environment. Examines the complex political, cultural, economic factors, and social factors contributing to them, as well as the social responses to address these problems.

SOCIOL 718
30 Points

Research Projects: Design and Practice

Explores some of the major principles of research design and practice before discussing particular methods of research. Students will work through problem definition, literature review, and research design. Both ‘empirical’ and ‘theoretical’ projects will be encouraged.

Restriction: SOCIOL 731, SOCSCRES 701

SOCIOL 728
30 Points

Family, Gender and the State

The influence of changing ideologies of mothering, fathering, family and work, as well as the political forces and pressure groups that promote them, on both the development and restructuring of social and legal policies in several industrialised nations, including New Zealand.

SOCIOL 735
30 Points

Current Debates in Gender and Sexuality

Traces contemporary sociological debates in the analysis of gender and sexuality. This includes reference to feminist concerns with identities, differences, bodies, power and agency. These issues are taken up and explored through an examination of practices enacted on/or through sexed bodies.

SOCIOL 737
15 Points

Special Topic

SOCIOL 738
15 Points

Directed Study

SOCIOL 739
30 Points

Directed Study

SOCIOL 743
15 Points

Special Topic

SOCIOL 745
30 Points

Sociology of Science and Technology

Starting from the premise that science is a social phenomenon, this course investigates how science is shaped by norms, institutions, beliefs and other social forces. It asks students to consider how the human world affects science, and how science affects the human world.

SOCIOL 746
30 Points

Settler Societies and Indigenous Peoples

Critically examines settler colonialism and the contemporary politics and practices of recognition and reconciliation between indigenous and settler peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA. The course examines the literatures on settler colonialism and contemporary practices of recognition and apology, as well as the work of courts, tribunals, governments and indigenous communities across these four societies.

SOCIOL 748
30 Points

Critical Theory and Social Change

Investigates the social forces and forms of thought currently producing progressive social change out of the contradictory realities of the existing social situation. Considers the immanent possibilities for radical change at the present moment of late capitalism, the grounds on which social change might be justified and the practical steps that might be taken to realise them.

SOCIOL 790
30 Points

SOCIOL 790A
15 Points

SOCIOL 790B
15 Points

Research Project - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCIOL 790 A and B, or SOCIOL 790

SOCIOL 792
45 Points

SOCIOL 792A
22.5 Points

SOCIOL 792B
22.5 Points

Dissertation - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCIOL 792 A and B, or SOCIOL 792

SOCIOL 794
60 Points

SOCIOL 794A
30 Points

SOCIOL 794B
30 Points

Dissertation - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCIOL 794 A and B, or SOCIOL 794

SOCIOL 796A
60 Points

SOCIOL 796B
60 Points

Thesis - Level 9

Prerequisite: A BA(Hons) in Sociology with at least a B+ average

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCIOL 796 A and B

SOCIOL 797A
60 Points

SOCIOL 797B
60 Points

Research Portfolio - Level 9

To complete this course students must enrol in SOCIOL 797 A and B

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