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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: SOC2010 Module Title: SOCIOLOGY OF POLITICAL SYSTEMS
Module Provider: Sociology Short Name: SOC206
Level: HE2 Module Co-ordinator: WILLIAMS MJ Mr (Sociology)
Number of credits: 20 Number of ECTS credits: 10
 
Module Availability
Throughout the year
Assessment Pattern
Components of Assessment
Method(s)
Percentage Weighting
Coursework
Two 2000 word essays
40%
Examination
One 3 hour examination
60%
Module Overview
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Module Aims
The course will attempt to provide an understanding of the role of the state in both the development and the contemporary workings of modern society. What are the main stages in the development of the state?
Learning Outcomes
Module Content

The course will focus on some of the following themes: 

1. Classical Theories of Politics and the State

(a) Karl Marx
(b) Max Weber
(c) Pareto & Michels

2. Modern Theories of Politics and the State: Gramsci, Althusser, Poulantzas, Mann, Giddens & Tilly

3. Types of Political Systems and Development of the Modern Nation-State
(a) Primitive Government (e) Capitalist Liberal Democracy
(b) The Slave State (f) Fascist States
(c) Bureaucratic Empire: (g) Stalinist States

The Traditional Chinese State (h) Military States
(d) Absolution (i) Islamic States

4. Theories of Revolution

5. Theories of Nationalism

6. The State in an International Context: Theories of War & Peace, New World Order or Disorder?

7. Conclusion: A Critical Examination of Theories of the State Globalisation and the Future of the Nation-State

Methods of Teaching/Learning
20 2 hour lectures/seminars
Selected Texts/Journals

Callihicos, A. (1999) Social Theory, Polity Press. 

Giddens A, (1985), The Nation-State & Violence, Polity Press 

Hall J, (1986), States in History, Basil Blackwell 

Hall J & Ikenberry G, (1989), The State, Open University 

Halton, R. (1998) Globalisation & the nation-state, Macmillan 

King R, (1986), The State in Modern Society: New Directions in Political Sociology, Macmillan 

Mann M, (1986), The Sources of Social Power, Vol. 1: A History of Power from the Beginning to AD1760, Cambridge University Press 

Ibid (1993), Vol.2, The Rise of Classes and Nation-States, 1760-1914, Cambridge University Press 

Ibid (1988), States, War & Capitalism, Blackwell 

Ibid (ed), (1990), Rise & Decline of the Nation-State, Blackwell 

Poggi G, (1990), The State: Its Nature, Development & Prospects, Polity Press 

Skocpol T, (1979), States & Social Revolutions, Macmillan 

Ibid (1995), Social Revolution in the Modern World, Cambridge University Press 

Tilly C, (1992), Coercion, Capital & European States, AD 990-1992, Blackwell

Last Updated
15 August 2006