Suspended in 2025/26
SO427 Half Unit
Modern Social Thought
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Prof Monika Krause
Availability
This course is available on the MA in Modern History, MSc in Culture and Society, MSc in Economy and Society, MSc in Political Sociology, MSc in Political Theory and MSc in Sociology. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access). Places are allocated based on a written statement. Priority will be given to students who have this course listed in their programme regulations.
Course content
The course examines a range of key traditions and issues in contemporary social theory. Based on the study of texts and debates, students have an opportunity to consider and discover the stakes and choices involved in adopting different theoretical perspectives and their application in social research.
Teaching
25 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Presentation
Essay
A 5 min class presentation and a formative essay.
Indicative reading
Bourdieu, P. (1996) The Rules of Art. The Genesis and Structure of the Literary Field. Stanford University Press.
Haraway, D. (2016) Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene. Duke University Press.
Latour, B. (1993) We have never been modern. Harvard University Press.
Negt, O. and Kluge, A. (1988) Public Sphere and Experience. Verso.
Said, E. (1978) Orientalism. Pantheon Books.
Benzecry, C., Krause, M. and Reed, I. (2019) Social Theory Now. Chicago University Press.
Assessment
Essay (100%, 5000 words) in January
Attendance at all classes and submission of all set coursework is required.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 20
Average class size 2024/25: 20
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse 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
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Specialist skills