Sociology
About the major
How does society shape you as an individual? How does your social position impact what opportunities you have and the difficulties you face? How do you shape the society in which you live? Whose voices are listened to, and whose ignored? As sociologists, we ask all of these questions and more. Sociologists study human behaviour, beliefs and identity in the context of social interaction, social relationships, institutions and change. We do this through the application of different lenses, including class, race, and ethnicity and gender and sexuality.
In our first year units, you will be introduced to key ideas and concepts which help us to understand social life and social change. We also begin discussing how sociologists seek to explore the world by talking about social research. You are encouraged to start thinking about how you might like to research questions which interest you. These foundations are consolidated and extended in second and third year as you think about the different perspectives used to explain society, and then to explore society. You will also be supported in exploration of more specific areas including race; inequality; identity; terror and violence; childhood; social change; and deviance. Throughout, you will be encouraged to engage critically and thoughtfully with course materials and your fellow students, and supported in becoming an informed and active citizen.
You will engage with the various aspects of sociology in classroom situations but also in the real world. You will learn to write and think sociologically using essays, reports, oral group work, posters, debates and new social media.
Graduates from this major will have the necessary foundations to better understand and engage with the globalising world.
Requirements for completion
The Sociology major and minor requirements are listed in the Sociology unit of study table.
Advanced coursework
Requirements and units of study for advanced coursework can be found on the advanced coursework units of study page.
Honours
Sociology involves the study of contemporary society. Its concerns range from the local to the global, from the everyday world we live in to the large-scale questions about global processes and patterns of social life. Sociology provides theoretical and methodological approaches to investigate and analyse social, economic, political and cultural phenomena. Our Discipline prides itself on being a community of scholars with diverse research interests which seek to influence the world in which we live. We strive to provide students with strong conceptual and research training, and emphasise historical and comparitive approaches in understanding our globalising world. Our Honours students reflect this diversity, and are encouraged to bring their own unique interests and perspective to their projects.
Honours admission requirements
Admission to honours is via the Bachelor of Advanced Studies or Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and requires the completion of a major in Sociology with an average of 70% or above.
Prior to commencing, you will need to ensure you have completed all other requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or other bachelor degree, including Open Learning Environment (OLE) units and, where undertaking the Bachelor of Advanced Studies, a second major.
Requirements and units of study for honours can be found on the Sociology honours units of study page.
Contacts and further information
- Discipline of Sociology and Criminology website: https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/schools/school-of-social-and-political-sciences/sociology-and-criminology.html
- Undergraduate Coordinator: sociology.undergradcoordinator@sydney.edu.au
