Political Sociology
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
Political sociology is concerned with questions of social and political power, particularly as they pertain to the interaction between state and civil society. This includes the ways class, gender and ethnicity shape these institutions. But political sociology is also concerned with the operation of power in other settings, such as the workplace and the family.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Analyse key theoretical frameworks of political sociology and distinguish key differences between these frameworks;
- Contextualise and apply these frameworks to contemporary institutions; and
- Reflect on the utility of political sociology as a way to understand social 'problems'.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Exercise | Grade: 10%
Short online quiz x 2
Assessment type: Essay | Grade: 50%
Analytical essay.
Assessment type: Exercise | Grade: 30%
Short response to readings from the unit
Assessment type: Presentation | Grade: 10%
Group presentation analysing political images
Required reading
Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.