SO427      Half Unit
Modern Social Thought

This information is for the 2024/25 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Monika Krause

Availability

This course is available on the MA in Modern History, MSc in Culture and Society, MSc in Political Sociology, MSc in Political Theory and MSc in Sociology. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access). Places are allocated based on a written statement. Priority will be given to students who have this course listed in their programme regulations. This may mean that not all students who apply will be able to get a place on this course.

Course content

The course examines a range of key traditions and issues in contemporary social theory. Based on the study of texts and debates, students have an opportunity to consider and discover the stakes and choices involved in adopting different theoretical perspectives and their application in social research.

Teaching

This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, online materials and seminars totalling a minimum of 20 hours in the AT.

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

Formative coursework

A 5 min class presentation and a formative essay.

Indicative reading

Bourdieu, P. (1996) The Rules of Art. The Genesis and Structure of the Literary Field. Stanford University Press.

Haraway, D. (2016) Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene. Duke University Press.

Latour, B. (1993) We have never been modern. Harvard University Press.

Negt, O. and Kluge, A. (1988) Public Sphere and Experience. Verso.

Said, E. (1978) Orientalism. Pantheon Books.

Benzecry, C., Krause, M. and Reed, I. (2019) Social Theory Now. Chicago University Press.

Assessment

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

Attendance at all classes and submission of all set coursework is required.

Key facts

Department: Sociology

Total students 2023/24: 26

Average class size 2023/24: 26

Controlled access 2023/24: No

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

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
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Specialist skills