Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Power, Control and Resistance
School	School of Social Policy
Department	Soc Policy, Sociology & Crimin
Module Code	08 36015
Module Lead	Justin Cruickshank and Nathaniel Barron
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-22 hours Seminar-11 hours Practical Classes and workshops-11 hours Guided independent study-156 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This optional module critically explores contemporary modes of power, control and resistance, and in particular how these are framed through neoliberal ideology and culture. It draws on critical concepts from political sociology and associated fields, blending critical-theoretical analysis and empirical case studies. The module introduces key conceptual building blocks such as power, state-civil society relations, dominant ideology and the nature of elites. It details the development of neoliberalism from a relatively obscure economic theory into the hegemonic form of contemporary societies. This has classed, gendered and racialized dimensions that have evolved into widespread forms of control, such as surveillance and incarceration. The changing nature of and prospects for resistance are charted in relation to these developments. These include new forms of technologically mediated social movement activism, and the emergence of more individualised everyday forms of political participation. As culture has become a key political battleground, the forms of knowledge that neoliberalism validates – and how this might be contested – are also considered.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Identify and evaluate appropriate key concepts and theories for the study of power, control and resistance; Understand power and resistance as manifest in economic, political, and socio-cultural settings; with classed, gendered and racialized dimensions; Critically evaluate substantive examples of the contemporary operation of power and resistance in contemporary societies; Reflect on the means and prospects for challenging contemporary modes of power and control.
Assessment	36015-01 : Summative essay : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Reassessed via 4000 word essay
Other
Reading List