Sociology
Qualifications
BA, CertArts, BA(Hons), MA, PhD, GradDipArts
Introduction
Societies seem to be firmly established but change rapidly. We seem to be under the control of organisations but organisations are constantly restructured. As sociologists attend to these kinds of puzzles, sociology is the rigorous study of society. They investigate the structure of societies, organisations and groups. Their subject matter ranges from the intimacy of the family, the criminal gang, activities at the rugby game and rock festival, through to divisions of ethnicity, gender and class. All of these and many more areas, including globalisation, postcolonialism, cities, technologies, environment, health and the social organisation of death are included in the Sociology programme taught at UC.
The programme uses multi-media styles of teaching delivery and that draw on lecturers' own research to deliver interdisciplinary and innovative approaches including cultural analysis, feminism, postcolonialism and the analysis of human-machine interactions. The programme at UC is distinctive in its strong commitment to the integration of theoretical analysis and investigative work at all levels of teaching and in encouraging research-based assignments by students.
The Sociology programme at UC is the second largest in New Zealand. Our academic staff come not only from New Zealand, but also Denmark, Lebanon, England, Scotland, South Africa, Canada, Australia and the US. A full range of courses is taught at all levels (100-level through to honours) and the programme has a large complement of thesis students. We have a lively research culture and an internationally recognised research centre.
Recommended background
Sociology is increasingly being taught in schools but this background is not necessary for entry into first-year courses at university. All that is required is an enquiring mind, an openness to looking at things from different points of view and an interest in what people do to and with each other. Mature students are often able to bring a wealth of life experience to the study of sociology. This is a discipline in which the life experiences of both young and mature students count.
100-level courses
Students intending to major in Sociology are required to take at least one course in Sociology at 100-level.
200-level and beyond
Sociology courses at 200 and 300-level take students beyond introductions to the discipline to more focused and in-depth engagements with particular areas of sociological endeavor. As well as introducing research methods and sociological theories, the specialist topics offered are closely linked to staff's own research areas. These include the environment and sustainability, development and gender in international relations, the sociology of sport and mediasport, postcolonialism and identity, psychological phenomena in socio-cultural contexts, health, animals, and historical sociology, ethnic relations, the sociology of everyday life, globalisation and poverty, crime and deviance and death and dying.
Further study
Students may continue after the three-year BA and enrol in the one-year BA(Hons) programme.
Students who have completed a BA(Hons) degree may proceed to the MA or doctoral programmes, both of which involve thesis work.
Career opportunities
Sociologists are employed in a diverse range of occupations in the private and public sectors of the economy. Their skills are drawn upon in private sector research organisations, consultancies, media firms and a wide range of social movements. They also carry out research for government departments on topics such as the distribution of income and wealth and gender and ethnic equality. Employment in government departments can also involve policy development and analysis, drafting new legislation and analysing the pros and cons of different social policies. They also teach and research in universities and polytechnics and teach in schools.
For further career information, please go to www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
Contact
School of Social and Political Sciences
Telephone: +64 3 364 2899
Email: patricia.ydgren@canterbury.ac.nz