SOCIOLOGY. School of Social and Government Studies. It all starts here

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1 SOCIOLOGY School of Social and Government Studies It all starts here NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY YUNIBESITI YA BOKONE-BOPHIRIMA NOORDWES-UNIVERSITEIT POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS

2 Welcome to Sociology! In the broadest sense of the word Sociology involves the study of society and the interaction between people. In more detail Sociology scientifically studies the following societal issues: the spectrum of human interaction stretching from harmonious relationships (order) to conflicting relationships (disorder); the nature of human relations - from the most informal to formal and those existing within organisations; social structures, institutions and aspects of society like the family and relation structures, politics, economics, religion, media, healthcare, sport, gender and identity; social problems and issues - socio economic inequity, exploitation, crime, poverty, development issues, war, conflict and refugee status as well as HIV and Aids. Why would you like to choose sociology? Sociology develops your ability to understand the relationships between people and to form an image of how society works. Therefore sociology is important and very useful for you as student if you are interested in the following career paths: social researcher and analyst manager, analyst and evaluator of projects negotiator in labour relations planner and developer manager in the public or private sector researcher on impact studies communication specialist social worker population specialist member of the civil service human resources manager political policy maker psychologist and counselor nurse As a student you will experience Sociology as a subject that sets a high price on the newest knowledge and skills. It offers you training that will equip you to make a sensible contribution in an ever changing world, especially South Africa. The training will equip you with new 2

3 knowledge, analytical abilities and research abilities and help you to practice these. These abilities are highly sought after in the labor market, but also gives you the opportunity to independently fulfill your function in the labor sector. Sociology offers interesting and exciting modules. It exposes you to a wide range of social debates that helps to sharpen your knowledge, attitude and skills in the subject. The following modules are offered: Sociology s undergraduate modules comprise: FIRST YEAR SOCL 111 Introduction to Sociology: Basic concepts and themes This module serves as introduction to Sociological study by focusing on basic concepts in Sociology such as demographics, interaction, role, socialisation, culture, society, social stratification, gender, race and ethnicity. SOCL121 Introduction to Sociology: Institutions and the Southern African context This module conveys theoretical insight into social institutions within society, such as politics, economics, health, education, religion, the family and the mass media. SECOND YEAR SOCL211 Sociology of development and social problems This module discusses two areas in Sociology. The Sociology of development focuses on the developmental problems in the world in the light of the central theoretical approaches thereto. The other area is social problems, and the focus will be on poverty, crime and deviant behaviour within the South African context. As student you must choose ONE of the following modules in your second semester of the second year: SOCL221 Family sociology and group dynamics (this is a compelled module for Social Work students). This module firstly focuses on the importance and diverse nature of the family as institution in society today. Secondly, it discusses the main principles of group dynamics which amongst others include group formation, cohesion, leadership and change. SOCL222 Medical sociology (this module is compelled for nursing students). This module focuses on the concepts of sickness and health. It investigates and analyses sickness as the consequence of social, political and economic processes. SOCL224 Industrial sociology (this is a compelled module for BA Development and management students). In this module we focus on the central role that work plays in society. Some of the interesting current topics discussed in this module, include work and unemployment, socio economic classes relation to work, work and technology as well as work and globalisation. THIRD YEAR SOCL311 Social theories (SOCL111 en SOCL121 are prerequisites for this module). This module offers in-depth focus and thorough study of classical and contemporary theoretical publications within sociology. Contributions from various theorists as well as insightful perspectives such as Structural Functionalism, Symbolic Interactionalism, Conflict Theory and Postmodernism, are studied. SOCL312 Social methodology (SOCL111 en SOCL121 are prerequisites for this module). The main aim of this module is to guide you as student in the writing of a research proposal. This is done firstly by offering a thorough theoretical background and to introduce you to the practical principles of Social Research Methodology. this module gives attention to the choice of a research topic, research ethics and the most applicable methods to collect data. 3

4 As student you must choose any TWO of the following modules in the second semester of your third study year: SOCL321 Gender study The basis for this module lies in debates on the different roles between men and women in society. You are introduced to the origin of the debates on gender as well as the manner in which gender roles are created, how it is portrayed and how it connects to consumerism. A further critical angle is provided from the post-modernism offering challenging debates on these extreme viewpoints. SOCL323 Religious Sociology Religious approaches for centuries already builds the foundation of societies. Contrasting religious frames of reference (paradigms) deliver contrasting viewpoints and instructions influencing social decision making as well as the ultimate actions flowing from these. This module offers an in-depth discussion on various theorists sociological perspectives on religion in today s society. SOCL327 Political Sociology (This is a compulsory module for BA Development and Management students) In this module you are introduced to the connection between politics and society. The study analyses the relationship between the state and society. It helps you gain insight into issues such as power positions, the role of civil society, social movements and voters behaviour. You will learn how to critically apply these new insights on the South African society. POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES Hons BA Sosiology The Hons BA Sociology offers students an in-depth study of Sociological theory and methodology, and a number of specialist fields in Sociology. The modules: SOCL611, SOCL612 and SOCL671 are compulsory. Students choose from SOCL621, SOCL627, SOCL628, SOCL629. 4

5 SOCL611 Social Theories In this module the theoretical knowledge you gained in the third year theory module, is deepened. You will be exposed to Sociological theorists and theories and the application thereof in the South African context. SOCL612 Research methodology In this module students gain deep knowledge on social research methodology. The focus is on underlying principles of social research, the different social research methods, collection of data, analysis of data and ultimate reporting of the results. SOCL671 Research project Based on the theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills students obtained in this programme, students are expected to deliver a limited research project on a sociological topic, under the study guidance of an assigned lecturer. SOCL621 Sociology of Development This module gives attention to different facets of development, for example development theories; industrial policy; political systems and development; information, communication and development; strategies for sustainable development and globalising and development. You are equipped to better understand the development issues - especially in the developing word (Africa, South America, South-East Asia). SOCL627 Women s study This module studies society from a feminist perspective. You are exposed to the most important theorists in this field, as well as theoretical debates in women and gender studies. The position and involvement of women in society is investigated and critical questions around issues of identity, power and inequity are asked. SOCL628 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender studies This module firstly introduces you to modern theorists who 5

6 discusses questions around experiences of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender individuals, by starting with a historical overview and slowly moving toward a contemporary viewpoint in South Africa and on international level. After this follows the perspective of postmodern theorists, especially advocates of the Queer Study. The aim of the comparison between these to paradigms is to highlight the way in which postmodern theorists question and challenge certain categories of modern theorists, such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. SOCL629 Sociology in South Africa In this module the functioning of the South African society is analysed and debated sociologically. Sociological themes in the spotlight, are race, ethnicity, post-apartheid society, reconciliation, change, socio economic stratification, labour and the position of the South African society in Africa and the world. MA Sociology (dissertation) This programme offers you the opportunity to write a dissertation within the specialist field of Sociology. This will happen under the guidance of an appointed lecturer in Sociology. The dissertation involves the following: formulation of problem statement, research aim and question, writing of a literature study, developing of a methodological framework, collection and analysing of data and ultimately the writing of the research report. MA Industrial Sociology (dissertation) You will write a dissertation on a topic within the specialist field of industrial sociology. This happens under guidance of an appointed lecturer in Sociology. contains modules relating to development and management. In the second semester you choose two specialised corporate social responsibility modules together with your other two choice modules. In the second year you write a dissertation on a relevant social responsibility topic. PhD Sociology (thesis) This programme offers you the opportunity to, under guidance of an appointed study guide, write a thesis within the specialist field of Sociology. Such a thesis may be a continuation of a theme you focused on during your master s degree studies. PhD Industrial Sociology (thesis) This programme offers you the opportunity to, under guidance of an appointed study guide, write a thesis within the specialist field of Industrial Sociology. Such a thesis may be a continuation of a theme you focused on during your master s degree studies. PhD Development and Management (curriculum: corporate social responsibility - thesis) This programme offers you the opportunity to, under guidance of an appointed study guide, write a thesis within the specialist field of Corporate Social Responsibility. Such a thesis may be a continuation of a theme you focused on during your master s degree. Sociology offers you skills and ability to do in-depth analysis of the society. It gives you an advantage in almost every career. We trust that you will also experience Sociology in that way. M Development and Management (Curriculum: Corporate Social Responsibility - structured master s degree) Private and public institutions must be socially responsible to society. This programme focuses on corporate responsibility. In the first year of study, during the first semester, the programme 6

7 CONTACT DETAILS: Mr Jacques Rothmann Tel: Building F13, Office 120 Prof Johan Zaaiman Tel: Building F13, Office 117 Prof Freek Cronjé Tel: Building F13, Office 121 Me Carolé Cilliers Tel: Building F13, Office 118 Me Charté Pretorius Tel: Building F13, Office 119 7

8 NWU PUKKE, a DEGREE that WORLD WIDE matters Vocationally directed Internationally recognised degrees Afrikaans (with educational interpreting in some courses) Pulsating student life Safe campus Tel: navrae@nwu.ac.za It all starts here NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY YUNIBESITI YA BOKONE-BOPHIRIMA NOORDWES-UNIVERSITEIT POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS