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| Module Availability |
| Semester 1 |
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Unit(s) of Assessment
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Weighting Towards Module Mark( %)
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2 hour exam
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100
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Qualifying Condition(s)
A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module.
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| Module Overview |
| This module focuses on relations between state and society in a variety of settings. It begins by looking at sociological interpretations of political systems since the Enlightenment thinkers of the 18th century, including classic thinkers such as Marx, Tocqueville and Weber. It goes on to look at the development of political systems in Europe, the United States and the Muslim world, including the role of nationalism, revolution and empire. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| None |
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| Module Aims |
· To provide an understanding of sociological interpretations of relations between state and society in a variety of settings
· To provide an understanding of the development of political systems in Europe, the United States and the Muslim World
To provide an understanding of different interpretations of liberal democracy and the totalitarian challenges from Nazism and Stalinism, and an appreciation of other key concepts in political sociology |
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| Learning Outcomes |
Students completing this module should be able to:
· Demonstrate an understanding of sociological interpretations of relations between state and society in a variety of settings
· Demonstrate an understanding of the development of political systems in Europe, the United States and the Muslim World
· Demonstrate an understanding of different interpretations of liberal democracy and the totalitarian challenges from Nazism and Stalinism, and an appreciation of other key concepts in political sociology
- Draw on the range of material covered in the module in order to construct arguments and explanations in an essay and under exam conditions
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| Module Content |
· Origins of political sociology and classical thinkers (Marx, Tocqueville, Weber and the elite theorists)
· Sociological interpretations of the development of the state in Europe, America and the Muslim world
· Sociological theories of liberal democracy and Nazi and Soviet totalitarianism
- Key concepts in political sociology – nations and nationalism revolution and empire
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
11 lectures and 11 seminars
Weekly reading and seminar preparation
Short formative assignment |
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Aron, R (1968, 1970) Main Currents in Sociological Thought 1 & 2, Penguin
Darwin, J (2008) After Tamerlane: The Rise and Fall of Global Empires, 1400-2000, Penguin
Dunleavy, P & O’Leary, B (1987) Theories of the State: The Politics of Liberal Democracy, Macmillan
Gellately, R (2008) Lenin, Stalin, and Hitler: The Age of Social Catastrophe, Vintage
Gellner, E (1983) Muslim Society, Cambridge University Press
Gill, G (2003) The Nature and Development of the Modern State, Palgrave
Moore, B (1969) Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy, Penguin
Overy, R (2005) The Dictators: Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Russia, Penguin |
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| Last Updated |
| April 2011 |
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