Sociology (2023)

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.


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  • 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), BA(Hons), BSocSc(Hons), MA and MSocSc

    To complete a BA(Hons) or BSocSc(Hons) in Sociology, students must gain 120 points at 500 level, including at least 30 points in research (normally SOCIO591), 30 points in any other SOCIO coded paper, as well as 30 points in any other SOCIO or SOCPY coded paper.

    To be eligible to be considered for enrolment in the MA or MSocSc in Sociology, a student must have completed either:

    a) a BA or 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 BA(Hons) or 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 MA or 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, or 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
    GNSEX101Gender and Sexuality: Representations and Realities15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    This paper considers issues related to gender, sexuality, and the body including health issues, media representations, gender based violence, and forms of resistance.
    SOCIO101Introduction to Sociology15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (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.
    SOCIO102The Sociology of Crime, Deviance and Social Justice15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
    This paper provides students with an introduction to criminology and the criminal justice system, with a focus on the New Zealand context.
    SOCPY100Introduction to Social Policy15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (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.
  • 200 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    SOCIO20121st Century Activism and Radical Thought15.023B (Hamilton)
    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.
    SOCIO203Popular Culture15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    This paper offers a sociological perspective on historical and contemporary forms of popular culture.
    SOCIO206Environmental Sociology: From Denial to Actions15.023A (Online)
    The environment and climate are as much about human activity, economic and political choices as scientific information. Thinking sociologically, not just as individuals is the key to change.
    SOCPY200Social Policy and Social Issues15.023A (Online) & 23A (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.
  • 300 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ALPSS390Directed Study15.023X (Hamilton)
    This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
    GNSEX303Intersectionalities: Identities and Inequalities15.023B (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...
    SOCIO303Big Tech, Big Data, Algorithms and Society15.023A (Online)
    Thinking sociologically about digital technologies: algorithms in social life, surveillance, disinformation, the gig economy and precarity. What does it mean to do sociology in the age of big tech?
    SOCIO304Sociology of the Body15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
    A sociological investigation of bodies, as they are experienced and represented, examining the embodied relationship between structure and agency.
    SOCIO305Human Enhancement Technologies and Social Life15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
    This paper analyses the causes and impacts of technologies of human enhancement on individuals and societies. The paper addresses issues such as smart drugs, gene edits and cybernetics.
    SOCIO311Current Issues in Crime Control and Social Justice15.023G (Online)
    This paper examines sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and examines issues within criminal justice.
    SOCPY300Social Policy15.023B (Online)
    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.
    SOCPY301Health, Wellbeing and Policy15.023B (Hamilton), 23B (Online) & 23B (Tauranga)
    This paper provides a critical introduction to key issues in the formation of health policy at both a national and international level.
  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    ALPSS590Directed Study30.023X (Hamilton)
    This paper allows students from the Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences to undertake research on a specific topic related to their major under the guidance of academic staff.
    SOCIO501Knowing Bodies30.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
    This paper examines interdisciplinary understandings of bodies in social and cultural contexts, drawing from sociology of health and illness, gender and sexuality studies and cultural studies.
    SOCIO591Dissertation30.023X (Hamilton)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    SOCIO592Dissertation60.023X (Hamilton)
    A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
    SOCIO593Sociology Thesis90.023X (Hamilton)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
    SOCIO594Sociology Thesis120.023X (Hamilton)
    An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
  • 800 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    SOCIO800Sociology MPhil Thesis120.023X (Hamilton)
    No description available.
  • 900 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    SOCIO900Sociology PhD Thesis120.023I (Hamilton), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
    No description available.

2023 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 31 May 2023 12:20pm

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