SOCIOL 1023: Introduction to Political Sociology
SOC 23: Introduction to Political Sociology |
| Harvard College/GSAS: 159779 |
| Spring 2019 |
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Meeting Time: Monday & Wednesday, 12:00 – 13:15 Meeting Place: William James Hall (WJH) B1 (basement). Professor: Danilo Mandić Office Hours: Monday 15:00 - 17:00 in 604 William James Hall TF: Cresa Pugh TF Office Hours: Wednesday 14:00 - 16:00 Syllabus: [right here] |
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Course Description: Politics is about power and authority. But the production, conservation and distribution of power and authority occur far beyond Capitol Hill: in family dynamics, neighborhoods, schools, welfare policies, social movements, nation-states and the globalized economy. In this course, we will examine such areas using the theoretical framework and analytic tools of political sociology. The course is divided into five parts according to major themes: (1) Foundations; (2) the Nation-State; (3) Capitalism; (4) Democracy; (5) the Big Picture: Global Processes. Firstly, we survey sociological theorists who laid the foundation for political sociology, and consider alternative ways of conceptualizing power. Secondly, we explore the origins of the modern nation-state and processes of state-formation in different contexts. Competing approaches to nationalism will be considered, as well as major research into social movements. Thirdly, we inquire about capitalism: its ideological underpinnings, its embeddedness in society and culture, and its relation to the state – especially as reflected in the evolution and variety of welfare state models in contemporary capitalist societies. Fourthly, we consider political stratification and cases of institutionalized exclusion or discrimination in democratic societies. Fifthly, we scrutinize what is known as “globalization,” weighing alternative ways to describe it and asking how regionalization differs. Finally, we conclude with some open-ended conclusions about the future potential and shortfalls of political sociology. Abstract, theoretical works are explored with practical applications and illustrations in specific national/historical contexts. Through the readings and written work, students will acquire proficient knowledge of the central themes, methods and empirical concerns of political sociologists. They will also become aware of criticisms and debates within the field – as well as its limitations. Lecture slides will be uploaded weekly under "Files" in the readings' folders.
PART I. FOUNDATIONS Week 2: Politics in Sociology, Sociology in Politics PART II. THE NATION-STATE Week 5: The State & Social Cohesion Week 6: Nationalism, Race, Ethnicity PART III. CAPITALISM Week 8: Ideology, Networks & Embeddedness Week 9: Welfare States & Immigration PART IV. DEMOCRACY Week 11: Discrimination & Exclusion PART V. THE BIG PICTURE: GLOBAL PROCESSES |
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Course Summary:
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