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Introduction to Sociology: Understanding contemporary society
UndergraduateMAQ-SOCX10002024
Previously MAQ-SOCX175
Course information for 2024 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Spot patterns in Australia's social structures. Look at the media, family, religion and class. Take advantage of sociological research methods such as observations and interviews. Begin to examine Australian society through a sociological lens.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Introduction to Sociology: Understanding contemporary society
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to
- Describe key sociological concepts.
- Demonstrate a range of generic skills useful in tertiary education and vocational settings (reading and listening; critique; relational thinking; data collection and analysis; sociological observation; theoretical awareness; written and verbal expression)
- Summarise and apply basic works of sociology to the study of contemporary life
- Distinguish the sociological imagination from other disciplinary approaches to analysing social issues and trends
- Apply basic social research techniques.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials.
This subject was previously known as SGY110 Australian and Global Societies and SOCX175 Australian Society.
Life in the 21st century is politically, economically and culturally fast-changing, increasingly diverse and technology-driven. In this unit, you will discover how sociologists understand society through topics such as culture and the economy, power and politics, gender and sexuality, self and identity, family and generations, social inequality and class, religion and race. It provides you with new and exciting ways to understand the contemporary world and your place within it. The skills and perspectives you learn will help you communicate complex ideas effectively and provide you with the analytical skills and perspectives you need to successfully navigate the politics, labour markets and diverse cultures in our rapidly changing world.
- Online quizzes (30%)
- Final online examination (50%)
- Active participation (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-SGY110 (Not currently available)
MAQ-SOCX175 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units)
SGY110, SOC175, SOCX175
NCCW (2020 and onwards)
SOCI1000 Introduction to Society
Additional requirements
- Other requirements - Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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