SO310 Half Unit
The Sociology of Elites
This information is for the 2022/23 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Michael Savage STC S210
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Language, Culture and Society and BSc in Sociology. This course is not available as an outside option. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
This course has a limited number of places (it is capped). Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Pre-requisites
No specific pre-requisites, but this course is not available as a first 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
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and online materials totalling a minimum of 20 hours in the MT, with a revision session in ST.
Reading Weeks: Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the MT.
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 (50%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Essay (50%, 2000 words) in the LT.
An electronic copy of the assessed essay, to be uploaded to Moodle, no later than 4.00pm on the first Wednesday of Lent Term.
Attendance at all classes and submission of all set coursework is required.
Student performance results
(2019/20 - 2021/22 combined)
Classification | % of students |
---|---|
First | 22.5 |
2:1 | 74.6 |
2:2 | 2.8 |
Third | 0 |
Fail | 0 |
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Total students 2021/22: 34
Average class size 2021/22: 17
Capped 2021/22: Yes (34)
Value: Half Unit
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills