SCY3480 - Political Sociology

Leader: Michael Ure

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit examines the development of social and political thought since the breakdown of modern social theory and its assumptions about progress, identity and social change. It considers competing perspectives on the future of social theory in a world characterised by individualisation, uncertainty and the loss of traditional forms of political life. It explores new approaches to power and agency, subjectivities, domination, ideology and social transformation. Topics include psychoanalytic social theory, Foucault, second generation Critical Theory (Habermas/Honneth) and the struggles for recognition, and postmodern responses to globalisation, risk and postindustrialisation.

Objectives

At the completion of this subject students should be able to: Understand at a developed (SCY2480) or advanced (SCY3480) level the key tenets and conditions of emergence of new social theories; Demonstrate a competent understanding of the historical development of contemporary social and political thought and the impact of global political, cultural and economic changes on this development; Demonstrate a capacity to critically analyse conflicting views, arguments and evidence on current theories of power, ideology, agency and social transformation; Demonstrate transferable information management, communication and interpersonal skills such as listening, reading, oral communication, research, analysis, synthesis, argument formation, and related computer skills, as well as a range of self-management skills (seminar preparation, study habits, essay preparation).

Assessment

Research paper (2500 words) : 50%
Examination (2 hour ) : 50%

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1 x 2 hr seminar per week)

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Sociology or permission

Prohibitions

SCY 2480