Sociology (2021)

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.