PIR-20079 - Module Specification
School of Social, Political and Global Studies
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This module takes an approach to politics based on the now widespread view that in order to understand how power operates, and where power lies, we need to know something about the social and economic forces at work in a particular society. Political sociology looks beyond the analysis of political institutions and political ideas in isolation, for evidence about how these are affected by different social and historical contexts.
In this module we focus in particular on the historical background to features of modern Western politics such as capitalism, democracy and nationalism, concentrating on Britain, France, Germany and the USA. We also look at how the process of modernization has produced different kinds of mass movements attempting to change the nature of their own societies, notably nineteenth century movements for democracy such as Chartism and the Suffragettes, and twentieth century movements such as the Civil Rights Movement in the USA and New Left in Western Europe. As well as non-violent protest movements we also consider the causes and effects of political violence and terrorism in Western societies.
The course covers explanations of the origins of modern Western politics and society that take into account major theories of social change and the evidence which supports or challenges them. In doing so, we raise questions which are of as much relevance today as in the past, such as the balance between ideas and structural determination in shaping social change, the power of the state in relation to other centres of power in society, and whether change is imposed from above, or comes from disobedient citizens challenging the existing order.

To introduce students to the main debates on the origins and development of the social forces that shape modern politics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Analyse debates over the origins of major social forces that shape modern politics: 1,2
Apply knowledge of a range of cases and debates through completing a workbook and engaging in specific tasks for seminars: 1
Communicate effectively in written form: 1,2
Assess comparative and process-based contextual explanations of differences between the countries studied: 2

Study hours

20 hours attendance at workshops
Reading and preparation of lecture, seminar and reading notes portfolio 40 hours
Preparation for Seminars 40 hours
Preparation for examination 50 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment