Course syllabus

SOCIOL 203: Social Reality and Ideology

SEMESTER 1, 2018

15 points

 
Course Convenor: 

Teacher:

Ronald Kramer - r.kramer@auckland.ac.nz  

Course delivery format:

2 hours of lectures and 1 hour of tutorial

(Timetable and room details can be viewed on Student Services Online)

Summary of Course Description:              

Sociologists construe ideology as ideas that conceal social inequalities. This course explores the meaning of ideology and some of its related concepts, such as hegemony, discourse and subjugation. It then critically analyses some of the most pervasive contemporary ideologies. Specifically, we will look at ideologies on competition and capitalism, the origins of profit, the faith we place in technology to solve social problems, discourses on law and order and the viability of democracy and a free press.

Course objectives:

By the end of this course, a student should:

• Have a general understanding of theory on ideology, representation and discourse
• Be familiar with how sociocultural contexts, political and economic interests and ideologies intersect
• Be able to identify and critically analyse contemporary ideologies using appropriate theory
• Feel comfortable conducting independent research in light of broader sociological theories
• Be confident with writing a 1500-word manuscript on a relevant topic that combines academic research, independently gathered data and critical analysis
• Have some of the foundation necessary to think about and develop research questions and practices in future academic pursuits  

To achieve the course objectives listed above you will need to:

• Attend each weekly class
• Read and understand each assigned reading
• Participate in class discussions
• Write a 500 word manuscript
• Write a 1500 word manuscript
• Sit one final exam

Course readings/texts:

All readings are available through Talis

Course outcomes:

A student who successfully completes this course will: 

• Acquire knowledge and skills that facilitate critical reasoning in multiple contexts
• Be able to gather information and subject it to critical analysis/interpretation, thereby recognising the assumptions and implications within information/data
• Acquire skills in well-structured, argumentative writing; critical thinking; academic literacy; and written presentation

Assessment Summary:

Theory Essay. Worth 20%. DUE: Week 5

Research Essay. Worth 30%. DUE: Week 10

Final Exam. Worth 50%

Weekly Topics:

TBA 

Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension will be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details.