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SOCA1010.4: Contemporary Understandings of Media and Environment

Examining recent debates about media & popular culture & considering the sub-field of digital & environmental sociology.

674 enrolled on this course

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  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Learn about critical issues and debates within sociological research.

This course will provide you with an introduction to critical issues and debates within sociological research on both digital and physical environments, continuing our focus on the social importance of the spaces that people occupy. We will begin by addressing recent debates about the media and popular culture before moving on to consider the rapidly developing sub-field of digital sociology. Finally, we will return to the physical environment to consider the relationship between environment and society – a topic that is of vital importance in contemporary times.

What topics will you cover?

Please see the SOCA1010: Society and Culture: A Sociological Introduction course handbook for more detail.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone interested in sociology, cultural issues in society, or the workings of society more broadly. It would also suit those looking to develop their critical thinking or research skills.

Who developed the course?

The University of Newcastle Australia

The University of Newcastle is a world-class university distinguished by a commitment to equity and excellence. Ranked in Australia’s Top 10 universities, and 173rd in the world (QS rankings, 2024).

  • Established

    1965
  • Location

    Newcastle, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 180Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

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Join the conversation on social media

You can use the hashtag #UniNewcastle to talk about this course on social media.