Social Theory for Contemporary Life

This course engages with a range of classical and contemporary social theories dealing with the complexity of the social and everyday life. Even though social theories aim to provide a general interpretation of the social forces that have shaped the modern, contemporary world; we use them every day in informal ways. This course focuses on how social theorists have set out to make sense of the world. Students will be introduced to a selection of theorists and perspectives in an approachable manner and use material that is relevant to our contemporary social world. This course is compulsory for the Sociology major.

15 points

15 points of 100 level SOCI with B grade or better; or 30 points of 100 level SOCI; or students without 100 level SOCI but with a B average or better in 60 points in related subjects may enter the course with the approval of the Head of Department.15 points of SOCI or ANTH at 100 level; OR 45 points in related subjects with the approval of the Head of Department.Any 15 points at 100 level from ANTH or SOCI, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

SOCI301, SOCI393 (2013).

Constructing Bodies

This course focuses on the ways in which the body is shaped in culturally/historically specific contexts, which include the lived body as a site of knowledge and experience. It explores a range of body practices, representations and technologies such as non-mainstream body modification, sexuality education, trans medico-surgical practices and the sexualization of culture.

15 points

Any 15 points at 100 level from ANTH, CULT, or SOCI, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

GEND102, FMST102, GEND112, AMST113, CULT112, AMST142, GEND201, CULT207

Environment and Society

The growing recognition of the reality and consequences of global environmental change poses a fundamental challenge to the ways we interact with the environment and each other, and places new demands on sociological thinking. This course introduces conceptual tools for approaching environmental issues from the local to global level. International, national, and local studies of human interaction with different aspects of the environment will explore contemporary issues, such as environmental justice movements and biodiversity conservation efforts. Students will have the chance to apply concepts and critical thinking skills through undertaking a social action project.

15 points

Any 15 points at 100 level from ANTH or SOCI, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

SOCI230 (2005), SOCI320, SOCI330 (2005)

Whakataka Nga Here: Colonisation and the Criminal Justice System

This course will examine one of the most pressing issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand. Students will explore historical and contemporary determinants of Maori over-representation in the criminal justice system. The course also engages with contemporary responses to the challenges we will examine, and identify future solutions.

15 points

Any 15 points at 100 level in SOCI, ANTH, CRJU, or LAWS, or Any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

CRJU222

Sociology of Health and Wellbeing

This course explores the social aspects of health and wellbeing, examining the connection between social structures and health outcomes. Focusing on health institutions, people’s experiences within the health system, and different ways of constructing health and illness, we will look at inequalities and health, culture and health, mental health, doctor-patient relationships, and health advocacy, amongst other topics. Students gain a broad understanding of the Aotearoa New Zealand health scene. Students will also have an opportunity to think about health and wellbeing in relation to their own lives and, through community service learning, to apply classroom learning about health and wellbeing issues to real-time situations.

15 points

Any 15 points at 100 level from ANTH or SOCI, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

SOCI343

Religion and Society: Why God Won't Die

This course is an introduction to the sociology of religion focused on thinking and rethinking religion & society.Central to the discussion is why god and religion has not dissapeared as was predicted in much modern social theory. In considering this question, the course provides a critical discussion of the ways religion, god and religious practices have been thought, dismissed and applied over the past 150 years within the Sociology of Religion.

15 points

15 points of 100 level SOCI with B grade or better; or 30 points of 100 level SOCI; or students without 100 level SOCI but with a B average or better in 60 points in related subjects may enter the course with the approval of the Head of Department.15 points of 100-level SOCI with B grade or better; 30 points of 100 level SOCI; alternatively students without 100 level SOCI but with a B average or better in 60 points in related subjects may be admitted to one 200 level SOCI course.15 points of SOCI or ANTH at 100 level; OR 45 points in related subjects with the approval of the Head of Department.Any 15 points at 100 level from ANTH or SOCI, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.

ANTH298, SOCI292, SOCI392 in 2012, SOCI292, SOCI392 in 2012

The History of Gangs in New Zealand

An introduction to the sociology of gangs, focusing on the historical development of gangs in New Zealand and the methods which have been taken to control them.

15 points

15 points of 100 level SOCI with B grade or better; or 30 points of 100 level SOCI; or LAWS101; or LAWS150/CRJU101; or students without 100 level SOCI but with a B average or better in 60 points in related subjects may enter the course with the approval of the Head of Department15 points of SOCI or ANTH at 100 level; OR LAWS101; OR LAWS 150/CRJU101; OR 45 points in related subjects with the approval of the Head of Department.Any 15 points at 100 level in SOCI, ANTH, CRJU, or LAWS, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the BA.Either 15pts of 100 level SOCI with B+ grade or better; or 30pts of 100 level SOCI or LAWS101 or LAWS 150/CRJU10; or a B average or better in 60 pts in related subjects.