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eSociety: Sociology of the Electronic Age

Unit code: HASM201

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
Duration1 Semester
Contact hours3 Hours per Week
CampusHawthorn
Prerequisites

Nil

CorequisitesNil

Aims and objectives

  • To develop understanding of the major effects of electronic technologies on social institutions from an international perspective.
  • To develop understanding of the main sociological theories used to explain the development of electronic technologies and their social implications

Teaching methods

Lectures and Tutorials

Assessment

Assignments, Examinations

Generic skills outcomes

  • Ability to use electronic techniques for accessing and communicating information.
  • Ability to evaluate information available through electronic means.
  • Understanding of quantitative and qualitative research techniques.

Content

Major topics covered include:

  • Technology and Society
  • Identity
  • Family and Sexuality
  • Community
  • Organisations
  • Democracy
  • Surveillance
  • Social Theory

Reading materials

Castells, M, The Internet Galaxy, OUP, Oxford, 2002.
Wellman, B & Haythornthwaite, C, The Internet in Everyday Life, Blackwell, Malden, MA, 2002.