Macquarie University

Objects of Passion: Topics in Cultural Sociology - SOC220

This unit involves students in community-based research on ‘the social life of objects’. The unit matches students with community organisations to conduct field interviews with their membership. These interviews seek to provide materials to the community in order to share stories and articulate experiences that may not be otherwise documented. Because the research in this subject is based on objects selected by participants, it seeks to allow a space of mutual understanding and creative engagement with social transitions such as, but not limited to, migration, ageing, education, work etc. The organisations partnered with for the unit will have expertise in these areas. You will gain experience in ethical research practices and research within organisations. The interviews are conducted within the sites of the organisations themselves, so you will be oriented to and observe the day-to-day activities of the organisations. Students will therefore develop an awareness of the operations and organisational principles of a wide range of organisations. Finally, you will present written and verbal reports on individual research findings in class, and work towards a class project that collates stories in one publication, which will be returned to the participants at the end of semester.