Enrolments for 2018 have closed.
This unit contains mature content and may not be suitable for some students. Any student under the age of 16 who would like to enrol in this unit must first complete a Parental Consent Form.
Love, Sex and Friendship
Undergraduate | MAQ-SOCX315 | 2018
Course information for 2018 intake
View information for 2019 course intakeBecome familiar with the sociology of intimacy. Unveil how people carve out space in their lives for friends, family and lovers. Touch on the real-world complexities that can sometimes affect these relationships. Explore the darker side of intimacy.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- -
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Love, Sex and Friendship
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will:
- have obtained a broad knowledge of classical and contemporary literature in the sociology of intimacy
- have developed skills in interpretive reading and critical thinking as well as an improved competence in essay writing.
- Introduction
- The making of the intimate sphere
- Remaking of the intimate sphere 1: detraditionalisation & individualisation
- Remaking of the intimate sphere: authenticity & expert knowledge
- Passionate love in history
- Love as art, love as religion
- A brief history of friendship
- Contemporary friendships
- The family in history & contemporary society
- Childhood: history & present dilemmas
- Parents, children & the transformation of intimacy
- The dark side of intimacy
- Review: reflections on intimacy, love, friendship & family
This subject was previously known as SOCX315 The Intimate Sphere: Love, Friendship and Family.
Warning: SOCX315 Love, Sex and Friendship looks at the dark side of intimacy including 'various forms of violence, abuse and neglect'. Students are asked to discuss, with their class online, their life experiences.
Our relations with intimate others are governed by a quite distinctive set of norms. We do not normally think it is appropriate to adopt the strategic attitude of the actor in commercial settings, nor do we adopt the impartial disinterest of the actor in public life.
How did the intimate sphere become carved out as a specific domain in modern social life and what has been said about the distinctiveness of its governing expectations?
This subject examines a range of accounts of special love, friendship and familial relations. In addition, what are the present realities that confront these relations?
It is anticipated that students will obtain a broad knowledge of classical and contemporary literature in the sociology of intimacy.
- Assignment 1 (20%)
- Assignment 2 (20%)
- Assignment 3 (40%)
- Online Discussion (20%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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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-SGY360 (Not currently available)
Others
You must complete Level 1 and 2 studies in Sociology before starting this subject.
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
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.
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