Suspended in 2025/26
SO310 Half Unit
The Sociology of Elites
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Mike Savage
Availability
This course is available on the BSc in Language, Culture and Society, BSc in Sociology, Erasmus Reciprocal Programme of Study and Exchange Programme for Students from University of California, Berkeley. This course is not available as an outside option to students on other programmes. This course is available with permission to General Course students.
This course is not available as a first year option.
This course has a limited number of places (it is capped). Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
Course content
In the early 21st century, there is a new fascination with the super-rich, the 1%, the 'elites'. This course therefore aims to expose students to the challenges and excitements of studying this small but very significant social class, using cutting edge research on recent trends as well as important older studies.
Teaching
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and online materials totalling a minimum of 20 hours in the WT.
Reading Weeks: Students on this course will have a reading week in Week 6, in line with departmental policy.
Formative assessment
Essay (2000 words)
Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the WT.
Formative assessment will be through a 2000 word essay to be handed in on the Monday of Week 7, directly after Reading Week. Students will also be asked to give presentations in seminars, and informal feedback will be given on these.
Indicative reading
- Piketty, T., (2014), Capital in the 21st Century, Boston, Harvard UP.
- Khan, S., (2010), Privilege, Princeton, Princeton UP.
- Korsnes, O., Heilbron, J., Hjellbrekke, J., Bühlmann, F. and Savage, M. eds., 2018. New directions in elite studies. Londres: Routledge.
- Savage, M., and Williams, K., (eds) (2008), Remembering Elites, Oxford, Blackwells.
- Mears, A., 2020. Very important people: Status and beauty in the global party circuit. Princeton University Press.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 3000 words) in May
Attendance at all classes and submission of all set coursework is required.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 6
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: Unavailable
Average class size 2024/25: Unavailable
Capped 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills