Prof Chetan Bhatt STC.S107

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Sociology (Contemporary Social Thought). This course is available on the MSc in Culture and Society, MSc in Human Rights, MSc in Political Sociology, MSc in Sociology and MSc in Sociology (Research). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Contemporary Social Thought considers new and critical issues in contemporary social theory to expose students to current and emerging concerns. Indicative topics include the definition of the social in a digital and globalised world; conceptualising social change; speed, mobility and technology; time, money and the economy; cultural capital and power; the new capitalism; wars and technology; cosmopolitanism; diaspora and modernity; post-colonialism; violent religious movements.

Aims:

To enable students to:

• Demonstrate understanding and application of contemporary social theory from a range of perspectives

• Demonstrate understanding of a range of methodological approaches to sociological analysis

• Develop a critical appreciation of different forms of theorising and researching the social

• Critically engage with key texts and thinkers in the field

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current debates in contemporary social thought

20 hours of seminars in the MT.

Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy. 

One essay of 1,500 words to be submitted in Michaelmas Term.

U. Beck The Cosmopolitan Vision; 

C. Calhoun et al. Contemporary Sociological Theory; 

N. Dodd The Sociology of Money;

N. Gane The Future of Social Theory;

R. Sennett The Culture of New Capitalism;

J. Wajcman Pressed for Time.

Essay (100%, 5000 words) in the LT.

Assessed essay due Wednesday week one of LT. Two hard copies of the assessed essay with submission sheets attached to each to be handed in to the main administration office STC.S116, no later than 16.30 on the day of submission. An additional copy to be uploaded to Moodle no later than 18.00 on the same day.