UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
School of Social and Political Sciences
SOCI10001 – UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY SEMESTER 2, 2023
Dan Woodman
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Second Assessment: Research Essay, 2000 words, 50%
Due: 5pm, Monday May 22, 2023 (Week 12), Canvas online submission.
Assessment Objectives:
In this research essay students are to display their developing capacity for critical
sociological analysis by focusing on, and critically exploring, a specific subject
topic in depth. This essay will allow students to examine one of the key
themes/topics introduced in this subject by drawing on both the essential and
further readings, as well as their own research.
You will be marked on the following criteria:
1. Interpretation of the question as it relates to this subject’s content
2. A clear argument and structure
3. Critical analysis of sociological concepts and perspectives
4. Use of data and examples to build your argument.
5. Clear, comprehensible and academic writing style
6. Referencing according to School guidelines, including a complete reference list
at the end of the essay.
7. Engagement with appropriate material including and beyond the readings
provided in the course.
Task
Students must select ONE research essay question from the following:
1) What is the role of surveillance in contemporary forms of power?
2) Does the concept of subculture help us understand young people’s cultural and
social lives?
3) How does social class influence people’s experience of education or work?
4) Do intersectional approaches improve our understanding of the impact of
racialisation on people’s lives?
5) Do new avenues for self-representation online challenge or reinforce
gender norms?
6) Sociology needs to move beyond its European parochialism to understand the
contemporary world. Discuss.
Please note the following:
– Students should be fully aware of the regulations regarding plagiarism –
details are in the subject guide on LMS and throughout the university student
systems. There is no excuse for plagiarism. The penalties are severe – it is
not worth the risk.
– There will be further discussion about essay writing for this subject in the
coming weeks in your tutorials.
Further questions should be first directed towards your tutor.