Undergraduate - UnitATS3719 - Political and social theory

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Notes

Synopsis

This unit aims to introduce students to some of the key thinkers and themes in classical and contemporary political and social theory. The contrasting perspectives of the classical thinkers Marx, Nietzsche,Weber, Durkheim and Freud are discussed, along with the new perspectives of theorists such as Foucault, Habermas, Giddens, Bauman and Agamben. The unit will examine central theoretical issues such as action, structure, power, culture and modernity.

Outcomes

Students who study this unit:

1. Will acquire knowledge about a broad range of political and social theories, both classical and contemporary, as alternative and differing approaches to analysing social relations, and hence will gain an understanding of how political and sociological knowledge has developed over time;
2. Will learn to critique certain accepted political and social theories and learn how to question dominant ideas and assumptions;
3. Will develop their oral and written skills in order to analyse theoretical material.

Assessment

Written work 45%
Exam 45%
Participation 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Michael Ure (Clayton)

Contact hours

One 2-hour seminar per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Sociology, Politics

Prerequisites

A first year sequence in Politics, Sociology, Anthropology, Criminology, Behaviourial Studies or permission.

Prohibitions

ATS2719