Key facts
UNE unit code: SOCY336
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Not offered in 2024
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
In this unit we examine sociological aspects of the modern family. It unpacks a range of notions (such as equality, care, responsibility) associated with intimate relations in family lives, and enables students to understand these notions in a critical, reflexive way. This unit considers how families, parenthood, and childhood are constructed and experienced differently in diverse social and political contexts. It highlights a cross-cultural perspective that critiques the "naturalness" of family lives.
By the end of this unit, students will be able to think critically about a wide range of issues that are significant and meaningful for both individuals and societies. These issues include: love and intimacy, marriage and commitment, divorce and separation, parenthood, childhood, fertility and technology, ageing and care, family and work, sexuality, and violence.
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of the concepts, history and diversity surrounding contemporary family issues and social constructs;
- critically examine a variety of contemporary family related issues, with the ability to engage with alternative theoretical approaches;
- conduct independent online research to find, examine and assess relevant information, with the ability to communicate findings effectively to others;
- use autonomy and judgement in self-critique and in the evaluation of group work; and
- identify and analyse changes happening to the family in Australia and the impact of global changes to the family.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commentary/Analysis | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Written Piece No. Words: 1500 |
| Major Essay | Yes | 60% | All offerings | No. Words: 3000 |
| Online Quiz | Yes | 10% | All offerings | No. Words: 500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
A Sociology of Family Life
ISBN: 9781509541362
Deborah Chambers, Pablo Gracia , John Wiley and Sons 2nd edn. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
