Sociology (2021)
Sociology involves the analysis of society: that is, how people organise and participate in groups and larger social structures, and how societies change. Sociologists ask questions about society, challenging what is normally taken for granted. Students who major in Sociology develop, not only a good understanding of social structures, social issues and policies, and social change, but also strong research and information literacy skills that prepare them well for employment in many fields.
Sociology is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Climate Change (BCC) and the Bachelor of Social Sciences (BSocSc). Sociology may also be taken as a second major or minor, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.
To complete Sociology as a single major for the BA, BCC or BSocSc, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Sociology including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must include SOCIO101, at least 30 points from SOCIO coded 200 level papers, and at least 30 points from SOCIO coded 300 level papers, and a further 30 points at 300 level.
To complete Sociology as part of a double major for the BA, BCC, BSocSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from the papers listed for Sociology, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must include SOCIO101, at least 15 points from SOCIO coded papers at 200 level, and at least 30 points from SOCIO coded papers at 300 level.
To complete a minor in Sociology, students must complete 60 points from papers listed for Sociology, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must complete SOCIO101, at least one SOCIO coded 200 level paper, and at least one SOCIO coded 300 level paper.
Enquiries about undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Sociology should be directed to the Programme Convenor.
On this page
- Prescriptions for the GradCert(Socy) and GradDip(Socy)
- Prescriptions for the PGCert(Socy), PGDip(Socy), BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc
- Prescriptions for the MPhil
- Prescriptions for the PhD
- 100 Level
- 200 Level
- 300 Level
- 500 Level
- 800 Level
- 900 Level
Prescriptions for the GradCert(Socy) and GradDip(Socy)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Sociology at an advanced level in their first degree.
Each programme of study for the Graduate Certificate must include at least one SOCIO coded 200 level paper and at least one SOCIO coded 300 level paper. Each programme of study for the Graduate Diploma must include at least one SOCIO coded 200 level paper, and at least two SOCIO coded 300 level papers.
For further details, contact the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Office.
Prescriptions for the PGCert(Socy), PGDip(Socy), BSocSc(Hons) and MSocSc
To complete a BSocSc(Hons) in Sociology, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally SOCIO591), and at least 30 points from other SOCIO coded 500 level papers.
To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MSocSc in Sociology, a student must have completed either:
a) a BSocSc with a major in Sociology (or equivalent) and have gained at least a B grade average across the 300 level papers, or for a qualification considered by the Academic Board to be equivalent, or
b) a BSocSc(Hons) in Sociology (or equivalent) with at least second class honours (second division) or a PGDip in Sociology (or equivalent) with at least a B average and
c) have satisfied the prerequisites for graduate study in the subject(s) being presented for the Degree, at levels considered appropriate by the Academic Board.
Completion requirements for the MSocSc in Sociology vary according to admission criteria:
Students admitted under a) above must complete 180 points from approved 500 level papers, including 60 points from SOCIO coded papers, and either a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis or a 60 point dissertation. It is recommended that students take one of the research methods papers listed.
Students admitted under b) above must complete a 120 point thesis, a 90 point thesis and a further 30 points from approved 500 level papers, or a 60 point dissertation and a further 60 points from approved 500 level papers.
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
100 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location ECONS102 Economics and Society 15.0 21A (Hamilton) This paper introduces selected economic models, with a focus on developing and applying critical thinking skills to a range of business and social issues and to economic policies. GNSEX101 Gender and Sexuality: Representations and Realities 15.0 21B (Hamilton) This paper considers issues related to gender, sexuality, and the body including health issues, media representations, gender based violence, and forms of resistance. HMDEV100 Lifespan Development 15.0 21A (Hamilton), 21B (Online) & 21B (Tauranga) HMDEV100 focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence patterns of development and learning over the lifespan. MAORI150 Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi 15.0 21A (Hamilton), 21A (Tauranga) & 21B (Hamilton) This paper seeks to provide a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It reviews historical and contemporary interpretations and takes into account the interplay of contextual issues of the time. PACIS100 Introduction to Pacific Histories, Languages and Cultures 15.0 21A (Hamilton) This paper introduces students to foundational elements of Pacific Studies, including various histories, languages and cultures and their importance to contemporary societies, surveying a number of Pacific Nations. SOCIO101 Introduction to Sociology 15.0 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Tauranga) This paper prepares students for further study in a range of social science subjects. It introduces the main sociological theories, concepts and practices that enable an understanding of contemporary societies. SOCIO102 The Sociology of Crime, Deviance and Social Justice 15.0 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Tauranga) This paper provides students with an introduction to criminology and the criminal justice system, with a focus on the New Zealand context. SOCPY100 Introduction to Social Policy 15.0 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Tauranga) This paper examines the values behind social policy and introduces students to some of the important issues and debates in New Zealand and other democratic societies. SOCPY101 Social Policy & the Welfare State 15.0 No occurrences This paper covers the rise of the welfare state as the primary means of social policy delivery in New Zealand. 200 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location ANTHY201 Patriots, Racists, and Foreigners: Ethnicity and Identity in Global Perspective 15.0 21A (Hamilton) This paper focuses on ethnicity and related categories of division such as "race" and nation. It explores how these concepts link to identity in different cultures and societies. CMYHE202 Understanding Healthy Bodies: Sociocultural Perspectives 15.0 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Tauranga) This paper develops a sociocultural understanding of healthy bodies. ECONS200 Understanding the Global Economy 15.0 21A (Hamilton) & 21X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) This paper focuses on developing understanding of contemporary global issues, including economic well-being, sustainable growth, emerging economies, world trade and globalisation. MAORI250 Māori Politics 15.0 21B (Online) & 21B (Tauranga) This paper examines Maori and Indigenous politics in a broad sense, from key ideas such as sovereignty, tino rangatiratanga, and autonomy, through to crucial forms of resistance via various political structures including local, Iwi, national and global Indigenous movements. PACIS200 Pacific Migration, Diaspora and Identity 15.0 21B (Hamilton) This paper looks at the various socio-historic influences on migration in the Pacific and the relationship between Indigenous cultures of origin and diasporic cultures and identities formed in countries such as Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia and the US. POPST201 Population Studies 15.0 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the multidisciplinary field of Population Studies. Students will develop a sound understanding of the demographic drivers of population change and composition, while exploring some of the rich theories and methodological approaches which comprise Population Studies. SOCIO200 Modern Sociology and Western Capitalism: A Cosmopolitan Perspective 15.0 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) This paper examines the ascendancy of modern sociology, from the classic works of Karl Max, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber to contemporary themes such as cosmopolitanism, globalisation and individualisation. SOCIO201 21st Century Activism and Radical Thought 15.0 No occurrences This paper will offer insight into the historical legacies of systemic racism, sexism and class oppression by taking an in-depth look at key issues raised in 20th century social movements in New Zealand and the United States and mapping those issues into the 21st century. SOCIO203 Popular Culture 15.0 21B (Hamilton), 21B (Tauranga) & This paper offers a sociological perspective on historical and contemporary forms of popular culture. SOCIO204 Punishment, Society and Social Justice 15.0 No occurrences This subject will provide students with a critical understanding of the theoretical, political and policy issues associated with societies' response to crime and social harm. SOCPY200 Social Policy and Social Issues 15.0 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Tauranga) The paper continues the study of social policy at 200 level. The focus of this paper is on the welfare state, the policy cycle as well as social problems, such as poverty. SSRES200 Social Science Research Methods 15.0 21A (Online) This paper introduces the core research methods used in the social sciences. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are introduced, along with consideration of aspects such as ethics and the Treaty of Waitangi. 300 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location GNSEX303 Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities 15.0 21A (Hamilton) This paper provides a comprehensive review of the historical context for understanding contemporary issues of race, gender, sexuality, and social class. It investigates micro and macro level experiences and the social construction of identities. In doing so, this paper looks at how power is distributed in society, the theories that... MAORI303 Critical Indigenous Theory 15.0 21B (Online) This paper looks at the key theoretical influences, from Marxism to post-structuralism, upon critical Indigenous studies and the most significant writings by those Indigenous scholars who have chosen to engage with critical theory. POPST302 Exploring Population Change 15.0 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online) This paper applies methods for measuring population size, composition and change, which are used extensively for understanding population issues in public policy, human resource planning, forecasting and business planning. SDCOA303 Sport, Media and Communication 15.0 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online) This paper expands students' critical sociocultural understanding of the media. Students will develop knowledge of the production and consumption of various forms of media (including social media), and have the opportunity to develop skills in critical media analysis and production. SOCIO302 Globalisation and International Development 15.0 21B (Hamilton) This paper examines the impact of globalisation on both developed and developing countries. Special focus is placed on the labour-capital relation. Applied methods of comparative analysis are also introduced. SOCIO303 Technologies, Algorithms and Social Life 15.0 21A (Online) The purpose of the paper is to develop a sociological analysis of the causes and impacts of new technologies, including the Internet of Things, as well as the increasing role of algorithms and other non-human actors in decision-making. The paper will address a range of issues including the blurring of virtual and real words, the ro... SOCIO304 Sociology of the Body 15.0 No occurrences A sociological investigation of bodies, as they are experienced and represented, examining the embodied relationship between structure and agency. SOCIO311 Current Issues in Crime Control and Social Justice 15.0 21G (Online) This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice. SOCIO390 Directed Study 15.0 21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton), 21D (Hamilton), 21G (Hamilton) & 21H (Hamilton) This paper provides students with a flexible opportunity to investigate a specific topic from a sociology perspective. SOCPY300 Social Policy 15.0 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Tauranga) This paper provides students with experience of the ways in which policy is formulated and enacted. Theoretical perspectives are consolidated and extended to enhance opportunities for employment in the social policy field. SOCPY301 Health, Wellbeing and Policy 15.0 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Tauranga) This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level. SOCPY303 Critical Feminism and the Prison State 15.0 No occurrences This paper employs anti-carceral feminist theories and frameworks to explore the phenomenon of mass female imprisonment across nation states, with a particular focus on Indigenous and Black Imprisoned Radical Tradition. 500 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location EDUCA557 Becoming a researcher: theory, ethics and methods 30.0 21A (Online), 21B (Online) & 21H (Block) This paper introduces students to the major educational research paradigms, methodologies appropriate to collecting data in schools (including interviews, observations, surveys, case studies), action research, literature reviews, critiquing research, and report writing. It includes consideration of ethical issues in research. MAORI570 Te Mahi Rangahau: Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Research Methods and Issues 30.0 21A (Online) This paper introduces students to a range of research issues, helps students identify and apply the most effective methodology, understand, review and apply various research methods including kaupapa Maori and indigenous epistemologies. POPST509 Research Methods for Population Analysis 15.0 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online) This paper provides students with hands-on experience conducting population research, working with real world data to analyse to investigate population issues. Students will gain a sound understanding of how to access, analyse and interpret data and how to communicate their findings, skills directly applicable to a range of policy,... SOCIO500 Comparative Indigenous Criminology 30.0 21A (Hamilton) This paper focuses on a critical comparison of indigenous people's experiences of crime control policies and interventions in settler-colonial jurisdictions. SOCIO504 Marx, Marxism, and Beyond: Contesting Perspectives 30.0 21B (Hamilton) Marx's theory of capitalist society is examined with reference to the contested history of twentieth century Marxism and the related development of neo-Marxist and post-Marxist perspectives. SOCIO589 Directed Study 15.0 21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton) & 21H (Hamilton) Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the criteria set out in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Handbook. SOCIO590 Directed Study 30.0 21A (Hamilton), 21B (Hamilton), 21D (Hamilton) & 21H (Hamilton) Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff. Open to selected students who meet the criteria set out in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Graduate Handbook. SOCIO591 Dissertation 30.0 21X (Hamilton) A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. SOCIO592 Dissertation 60.0 21X (Hamilton) A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. SOCIO593 Sociology Thesis 90.0 21X (Hamilton) An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. SOCIO594 Sociology Thesis 120.0 21X (Hamilton) An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. SOCPY501 Critical Issues in Crime and Social Justice 30.0 No occurrences The paper focuses on contemporary, critical issues related to New Zealand's criminal justice system, and the wider context of social justice. SOCPY507 Gender and Development 30.0 21A (Hamilton) This graduate paper explores fundamental constructs of feminism within the context of development schemes and policies. 800 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location SOCY800 Sociology MPhil Thesis 120.0 21X (Hamilton) No description available. 900 Level
Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location SOCY900 Sociology PhD Thesis 120.0 21I (Hamilton), 21I (Tauranga), 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) No description available.
2021 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 6 May 2022 9:37am