Theories of Modernity
UndergraduateMAQ-SOCX2222019
Course information for 2019 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Identify key characteristics of modern societies. See how capitalism, industrialism and individualism instruct social development. Get to know the writings of thinkers like Marx, Foucault and Nietzsche. Consider their insights and their shortcomings
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
- -
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Theories of Modernity
About this subject
By the end of this subject it is anticipated you should be able to:
- identify the distinguishing figures, topics and texts of Social Theory and Sociology as a field of study and investigate its points of connection and disconnection in contemporary society
- explain the origin, characteristics and complexity of modern societies
- articulate a coherent, developed account of what it means to live in modern societies
- analyse and assess a variety of texts (print, oral, film, multimedia) and data sources critically within their historical, social and discursive contexts
- Sociology and Modernity
- Capitalism and Industrialisation
- Democracy and Equality
- Political Power and Bureaucracy
- Religions and Belief Systems
- Science and Technology
- Identity
This subject was previously known as SGYX222 Sociological Theories of Modernity.
What characterises modern societies? This degree is an invitation to get to know some of the great theorists in Sociology and to learn what they have to say about modernity and modern societies. It explores the bold character of Sociology as it struggles to make sense of the modern world.
Modernity is characterised by a number of specific developments like democracy, capitalism, industrialism, nationalism, individualism and bureaucratisation. These are partly antagonistic, partly complementary, tendencies. In this subject we will be examining these diverse trends through the prism of a range of theories of modern society. We consider from among the following: Marx, Nietzsche, Weber, Durkheim, The Frankfurt School and Foucault. None we suggest has the key but we hope also to put each to use to find a matrix of illuminations into tendencies and potentials.
One of the core subjects in our undergraduate program, SOCX222 is designed to help you grapple with some of the major theoretical tributaries of the discipline. It reconstructs some of the main episodes in sociology’s efforts to achieve an understanding of the distinctive character and likely prospects of modern societies. SOCX222 traces the different ways in which some major theorists of modernity have analysed intersecting axes of modern development. The subject will demonstrate how much we still owe to these thinkers as well as considering their respective shortcomings.
- Essay 1 (30%)
- Essay 2 (40%)
- Participation (30%)
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.
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Entry requirements
Prior study
To help set you up for success before you start this subject, we suggest completing or having equivalent knowledge in:
one of
- MAQ-SOCX175-Australian Society
MAQ-SGY110 (Not currently available)
and one of
- MAQ-SOCX180-Sociology of Everyday Life
MAQ-SGYX120 (Not currently available)
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-SGYX222 (Not currently available)
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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