University of Technology SydneyHandbook 2007

50142 Social Theory

8cp
Disciplinary Strand – Social, Political and Historical Studies – 200 level

This subject tackles the work of some key 'classical' and contemporary theorists. Through lectures, close readings, discussion, and reflection, the subject deals with key theoretical concepts and their potential use in helping to open the structure and experience of social life to further questioning.

Throughout the subject, a conceptual toolkit is developed to help students think through three broad questions about the nature of social life: how social relationships are structured, maintained, and reproduced; where does the body fit into the reproduction of social life?; and the possibilities and limitations of community and identity.

A key component of the subject is the discussion of the work of theorists whose thinking has had an enduring impact on how these questions about social life have been framed. Though this subject focuses on the work of theorists appearing throughout the last century, this subject is not a survey of the 'recent' history of social theory. The selection of theorists offers a starting point for engaging with a range of key issues from different historical and philosophical standpoints. Further, the juxtaposition of theorists deliberately encourages debate about resonances between different approaches and underlines the need to read widely, and to not be afraid to draw on theoretical work of all kinds in engaging with social issues.


For detailed information, see the full subject description at:
http://www.hss.uts.edu.au/subject_descriptions/50142.pdf

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus

Fee information

2007 contribution for post-2004 Commonwealth-supported students: $832.67
2007 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,760.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.167
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2007 for Commonwealth-supported students who commenced after 2004 and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported students should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students webpage.
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places, and not all subjects are available to Commonwealth supported students. Domestic fee-paying students and international students should refer to the Fees webpage.

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.