Political Sociology seeks to understand political ideas, action, identities and institutions in their social context: how do we understand the politics-society relation? Semester 1 explores core political-sociological concepts such as the nature of power, the state, ideology, ruling elites and violence. Semester 2 addresses how more recent developments in social and cultural theory are changing the shape of political sociology. It pursues this through contemporary topics such as identity politics; new forms of political participation/apathy; the politics of the internet; new forms of governance; the role of discourse and ideas for a radical democracy. What do these new developments tell us about the scope of politics and the nature of social change, power and resistance in contemporary societies?
Learning Outcomes
On completing the module students will be able to:-
Critically assess the major theoretical traditions and debates in political sociology.
Apply these to a range of substantive contemporary topics in the field
1 x 3000 word essay (50%)
1 x 3 hour unseen examination
Other
none
Reading List
Eds. Nash, K. and Scott A. (2000) The Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology, Oxford: Blackwell.
Nash, K. (2000) Contemporary Political Sociology: Globalisation, Politics and Power, Oxford: Blackwell.
Faulks, K (2002) Political Sociology: A Critical Introduction, NY: NYU Press.