Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Social Science School
Drawing upon sociological theories and concepts, this introductory course provides an overview of the processes of change affecting social life in Australia and abroad. Central to many of these trends is globalisation and we examine its impacts upon a range of issues at both the global and local levels. Topics include: class and inequality, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, health and illness, along with media, urban sociology and sociology of the environment.
Welcome to SOCY1050: ‘Introduction to Sociology’. In this course we will encourage you to look at the social world around you in new and exciting ways. The course provides you with an understanding of what sociology is; the role of sociology in understanding social life; and draws on sociological theories and concepts to examine the dimensions and impacts of various changes taking place in Australia and globally. We live in a complex world and sociology provides important insights into the social meanings of natural and cultural phenomena; the social importance of time and space; and the contrasts between tradition and contemporary life.
The course is offered over 13 weeks - there is a breakdown of topics for each week in Section 4, Learning Activities. The course begins with an introduction to the discipline of sociology, some of the classical sociological ways of understanding the world, how sociologists conduct research, as well as some key terminology and ideas to help with the remainder of the course. We then move on to some of the significant ways of understanding culture and differences in the social world: Sex and Gender; Religion; and Race and Ethnicity. We then investigate the sociology of the world around us:ﾠthe Environment, and Cities and Urban Life.
Course requirements
Assumed background
No direct background is assumed.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
SOCY1010, SOCY1020
Course contact
Course staff
Course coordinator
Associate Professor Peter Walters
Lecturer
Associate Professor Peter Walters
Tutor
Ms Mel Powersmith
Ms Mahnoosh Hassankhani
Ms Louisa Elisabeth Brain
Miss Cecilia Castiello
Tutorial coordinator
Associate Professor Peter Walters
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to equip students with an understanding of basic sociological theories and issues. These include topics such as globalisation, social change and social inequality. By studying both the theory and practice of sociology, students should start to develop the important skills of critical thinking, analysis and reasoned argument, which are vital for successful careers once you have left university. For example, the ability to analyse data, evaluate and implement organisational initiatives or social policies and programs, to write research reports, to communicate effectively, and to work independently and in teams are all attributes which can be gained from the study of sociology.
On completion of this course, students should be equipped with the following graduate attributes:
- An awareness of the key drivers of social change in the contemporary world
- An ability to apply basic sociological principles to an examination of these changes
- A demonstrated understanding of Australiaﾒs changing place in a globalised world,
- An appreciation of the value of the sociological enterprise in making sense of the issues facing society
- An understanding of the usefulness of social theory and empirical research in understanding contemporary social life
- A demonstrated capacity for independent thinking, critical reflection and reasoned argument
- An ability to communicate ideas in a clear and logical fashion.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and apply the sociological imagination to a broad range of social problems including aspects of your own identity.
LO2.
Evaluate social theories and apply them to social situations
LO3.
Critically evaluate and synthesise academic, media and empirical knowledge about social life.
LO4.
Understand and articulate the influence of some of the major social institutions on everyday life
LO5.
Collaborate with peers to identify and evaluate reasons for social problems using your sociological imagination
LO6.
Learn and apply a range of academic skills that will assist you to succeed in this and future university courses.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection | 7 x Critical Journal Reflections | 60% 8.6 per reflection |
Each Padlet contribution is due at 2pm on the day before your following tutorial (e.g. If your tutorial is on a Wednesday, your reflection for week 2 is due on the Tuesday before your week 3 tutorial) |
| Examination |
Examination
|
40% Four questons, each worth 10 marks |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
7 x Critical Journal Reflections
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 60% 8.6 per reflection
- Due date
Each Padlet contribution is due at 2pm on the day before your following tutorial (e.g. If your tutorial is on a Wednesday, your reflection for week 2 is due on the Tuesday before your week 3 tutorial)
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06
Task description
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to write responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Padlet Digital Reflections
This assessment is worth 60% of your semester marks.
Assessment: 7 weekly reflections from the 10 topics between weeks 2 and 11.
Topics 2, 3 and 4 are compulsory - you can then choose which 4 of the remaining 7 topics to submit.
Length of contribution: 200-400 words each week, as well as other media.
Each Padlet contribution is due at 2 pm on the day before your following tutorial (e.g. If your tutorial is on a Wednesday, your reflection for week 2 is due on the Tuesday before your week 3 tutorial)
Marks
Possible marks = 60 (8.6 x 7 reflections).
If you fail to complete a compulsory reflection, that reflection will be included as one of your total reflections with a score of 0.
Once you have completed 7 reflections you will not be marked on any further reflections.
What’s a Padlet digital story?
PadletUQ is a free UQ online application featuring a virtual wall that allows you to post contributions each week to the same Padlet page.
For more information on Padlet and how to install it and use it, see https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/collaborative-tools/padlet. You will be introduced to Padlet in Week 1 and for detailed instructions see Blackboard.
How do I do it?
Write each reflection journal entry based on the topic and reading for that week of the course. You don't need to cover the whole topic. It will be up to you what particular ideas, issues, theories and real world examples you write about. How to approach your Padlet contribution:
- Write in the first person (me, I)
- Refer to Blackboard resources provided for each topic (readings, videos, lecture notes, additional resources)
- Demonstrate that you understand a particular aspect of the week’s topic by describing and reflecting on it. You don't need to cover the entire week's content. You will receive better marks if you choose a particular aspect of the week's material and deal with it more comprehensively (i.e. go for depth rather than breadth)
- Apply what you have learnt to a ‘real world’ example. This can be something you have experienced yourself, read about or seen in the news – anything that has happened or exists in the world around you
- Use the features of Padlet to introduce any visual representations – photos, short videos, diagrams, artwork - be creative!
How is it assessed?
Your marker will award up to 8.6 marks for the following:
1. Demonstrated understanding of your selected topic
2. Ability to apply that understanding to a real world example
3. The quality of your written work and creativity
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to write responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date. How do I submit? On UQ Padlet - you will receive instructions about how to register and use UQ Padlet. The course coordinator reserves the right to submit your text to Turnitin if academic misconduct is suspected.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) or an Extension Verification Letter (EVL) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Students may be asked to supply the work they have completed to date on the assessment piece. This is to establish what efforts have already been made to complete the assessment, and whether the proposed work plan is feasible. Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
10% of the maximum mark per day overdue. Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Examination
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% Four questons, each worth 10 marks
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
In the final exam, you will have two hours in which you will be asked to write FOUR short answers. The exam paper will contain three parts, each relating to a part of the course, and you should answer at least one question from each part and an additional question from any of the three parts.
Assessment tasks evaluate a student’s abilities, skills, and knowledge from the entire course.
This is a closed-book examination. No course materials are permitted in the exam room.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
Students must achieve 40 percent (16/40) in the examination to pass the course. If you score less than 16/40 for the exam, the maximum grade you can achieve for the course is 3, regardless of your cumulative score achieved during the semester.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
You can request a deferred exam if you can provide evidence of unavoidable circumstances that prevented you from sitting your original exam at its scheduled date and time. Your application must include supporting evidence. The request will be assessed based on the evidence you provide when you apply.
An application on the basis of a Student Access Plan (SAP) or Extension Verification Letter (EVL) alone will not be accepted. If you are applying on medical grounds, a medical practitioner must assess your condition and provide a signed medical certificate that covers the day of the examination. You must obtain a medical certificate no later than two business days after the date of the original examination. Further details of acceptable evidence for deferred examination can be found here.
For information on eligibility and application instructions, please view the following page on myUQ: Deferring an exam - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ.
Additional assessment information
Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
UQ Assignment Writing Guide: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments
Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.
Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
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Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction: The Sociological Imagination An introduction to sociology and to the course. We will start using our 'sociological imaginations' this week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05, L06 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Cyclone Alfred Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Theory and Theories in Sociology An introduction to 'theory'. We will demystify this word and discuss some of the foundation theories in sociology and their contemporary relevance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Identity Identity is the way in which you feel about and display your 'self', in other words, what it means to be 'me'. The way you think about yourself (and others) is an intensely social thing. As we shall discover in the coming weeks, there are many components to identity. The social context in which you live has a fundamental influence on this. Identity is the organising term for our topics over the next four weeks when we investigate some of the most important sources of identity: race and ethnicity, class and consumption, gender and sexuality, and religion. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Gender and Sexuality This is one of our 'big three' categories of identity in social life (along with race/ethnicity and social class). We discuss gender and sexuality as fundamental components of identity and as social institutions that can lead to inequality. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Social Status and Consumption This week is about two related ideas. The first is social class: the way that society, and our identities, are stratified according to our position in the productive economy. The second idea is consumption, which is how our position in social space and our identities are shaped by the things (and services) we consume and how we consume them. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Race and ethnicity This week we examine one of the most important sources of identity and one of the most troublesome regarding the social divisions it creates. We focus, in particular, on Indigenous identity. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
An Urban World The 21st Century is the century of the city. Cities have a profound effect on the way we live, and we also affect how cities work through our own lives and choices. We look at the social lives of cities and suburban life. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Globalisation and the changing world Globalisation is a process by which the world has become 'smaller' - we are all connected now. So much of what we do involves people and processes from other places in the world, including what we wear, our cultural and entertainment preferences and the companies we encounter and rely on every day. This week we discuss the winners and losers in this process and how globalisation affects us and our lived environment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
The Global South Much of what we have studied this semester assumes a social subject in the developed or industrial world (the 'Global North'). This week, we will focus on where most of the world's population lives, the 'global south' and revisit topics such as globalisation, urbanisation, and the environment. We also look at the 'megacity' in the Global South - those huge cities where much global population growth is centred. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
The environment is a social problem Science has answers for many of our most pressing environmental problems, so why can't we solve them? This week, we look at the environment as sociologists to try to get to the bottom of why these problems persist. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Course conclusion This week we review the course in preparation for the end of semester examination. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.