SO310 Half Unit
The Sociology of Elites
This information is for the 2016/17 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Michael Savage STC S210
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Sociology. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.
Pre-requisites
No specific pre-requisites, but this is only open to 3rd year students in Sociology and other programmes. It is not available as a 1st or 2nd year option.
Course content
In the early 21st century, there is a new fascination with the super-rich, the 1%, the 'elites'. This course therefore aims to expose students to the challenges and excitements of studying this small but very significant social class, using cutting edge research on recent trends as well as important older studies.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the LT. 1 hour of seminars in the ST.
Reading Week: Week 6 Lent Term.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the LT.
Formative assessment will be through a 2000 word essay to be handed in on the Monday of Week 7, directly after Reading Week. Students will also be asked to give presentations in seminars, and informal feedback will be given on these.
Indicative reading
Piketty, T., (2014), Capital in the 21st Century, Boston, Harvard UP.
Khan, S., (2010), Privilege, Princeton, Princeton UP.
Dorling, D., (2014), Inequality and the 1%, London, Verso.
Savage, M., and Williams, K., (eds) (2008), Remembering Elites, Oxford, Blackwells.
Scott, J., (1982), The Upper Class, Macmillan.
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 3 hours) in the main exam period.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Total students 2015/16: Unavailable
Average class size 2015/16: Unavailable
Capped 2015/16: No
Value: Half Unit
PDAM skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills