Sociology empowers students to develop an understanding of how subjectivity and society are interconnected, thereby allowing them to better appreciate how their own identities, beliefs, struggles, and experiences are profoundly shaped and reshaped through the interplay between micro and the macro dimensions, across time and space.

Students critically analyse and deploy sociological theories, concepts and methods that variously attempt to explain and understand social change, causes, processes, and consequences of social phenomena.

Students develop analytical and critical thinking skills and learn to question and challenge assumptions about the world around them. They develop thinking, literacy, communication, and numeracy skills that allow them to evaluate and apply Sociological theories. Students learn to develop research questions and methodologies. Furthermore, they develop skills to communicate effectively and present logical and coherent arguments whilst critically analysing the strengths and limitations of the arguments that ground their own thinking.

Sociological skills, knowledge and understanding empowers students to become engaged, active, reflexive citizens. In understanding a wide range of social phenomena, students develop intercultural understanding and cultural competence.

The study of Sociology provides knowledge, skills and understanding to interpret the world, which can be utilised in a wide range of tertiary and industry pathways.

The Sociology course is written under The HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES FRAMEWORK 2019: BSSS HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Framework

Achievement Standards for HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES courses can be found within the Framework.

Humanities and Social Sciences is the study of how people process and document the human experience and their place in it. It empowers students to better understand humankind, society and culture and communicate ideas for the future.

Constructing Identity

This unit explores the construction of individual identity. Students explore social phenomena, such as socialisation, culture, and relationships. They apply and assess sociological theories and methodologies to examine a myriad of interactions in society and how individuals can be defined, constrained, and empowered.

Understanding Difference

This unit explores the social construction of difference and its impact on society, including inequalities based on class, gender, and race, and the intersection of those and other categories. Students explore how difference can lead to debate, social organisation, and the development of ideologies. They apply and assess sociological theories and methodologies critically to explain the origins and nature of inequality.

Applying Sociology

This unit explores the applications of Sociology to particular contexts, such as crime and justice, politics, or health. Sociological concepts and methods will be used to examine areas of significant contemporary discussion. Students consider the assumptions and validity of sociological theories, concepts, methodologies, and models used to research and understand relevant case studies.

Structure and Agency

This unit explores the exercise of power by the social institutions and systems that inform the structure of society on a macro level, and in turn influence agency on a micro level. Students apply and assess sociological theories and methodologies to investigate the impact of institutional power on individuals and groups.

Independent Study

An Independent Study unit has an important place in senior secondary courses. It is a valuable pedagogical approach that empowers students to make decisions about their own learning. An Independent Study unit can be proposed by an individual student for their own independent study and negotiated with their teacher. The program of learning for an Independent Study unit must meet the unit goals and content descriptions as they appear in the course. Students must have studied at least THREE standard 1.0 units from this course. A student can only study a maximum of one Independent study unit in each course. An Independent Study unit requires the principal’s written approval. Independent study units are only available to individual students in Year 12. Principal approval is also required for a student in Year 12 to enrol concurrently in an Independent unit and the third 1.0 unit in a course of study.

Sociology A/T/M (673 KB)

Sociology A/T/M (304 KB)