Description
The module provides a foundational introduction to social theory. It discusses critical theoretical approaches to defining and studying social problems in a variety of contexts, including migration, civil rights, citizenship, nationhood, and democratic participation. Students will learn how specific social structures such as gender, race, class, and the nation interact with people's lived experiences of policy and politics. They will be invited to apply critical theoretical thinking for dealing with real-world problems, such as inequalities, social exclusion/participation, authoritarianism and populism, and reflect on the possibilities of enacting social change.
The sessions will address questions such as: how do social theory concepts explain the struggles experienced by human agents in different sectors of economy and society today? How do certain types of power, knowledge and 'evidence' become legitimated and privileged over others? How do marginalised groups become included or excluded in contemporary social and political institutions? How do they deliberate, adopt, resist, challenge dominant policies and practices, and what are the diverse recourses on which they draw to do so?
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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