Module Code - Title:
SO6081
-
STATE AND SOCIETY: POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY IN ACTION
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Political sociology lies at the intersection of the politics of sociology and the sociology of politics. In this module we trace the changing parameters of this intersection over time.
The rationale / purpose of the module is to provide students with an integrated overview of major theories and findings, lead them conveniently to topics of interest, and assist them in the common challenge of synthesizing a disparate field. We include additional emphasis on political structure and process and the consequences of politics from a sociological perspective.
Syllabus:
Political Sociology is concerned with the sociological analysis of political phenomena. The module will begin by exploring the theories of political sociology. It progresses to focus on the formation, transitions, and regime structure of the state before examining various aspects of the state that respond to pressures / resistance from civil society, particularly in the context of increasing globalization.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a number of different types of theoretical frameworks pertaining to the study of Political Sociology, - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the State and its manifestations, Power and its operation, the roots and processes of political action in Civil Society, and the creation of (trans)national, local and community social movements of resistance.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critically informed awareness of the work of leading social theorists in the field of political Sociology.
This will further support the practical sociological knowledge gained across other modules in the students' programme of study, impacting on the students' attitudes and values in the process.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will provide the opportunity for students to critically engage in targeted discussion and analysis of a key area of contemporary interest for sociology and their real-world applications. This module will be taught through a combination of lectures and self-directed learning. A blended learning approach to module delivery will be adopted.
Graduate attributes of critical thinking and collaboration will be enhanced.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Janoski, T., de Leon, C., Misra, J. and Martin, I. (2020)
The New Handbook of Political Sociology
, Cambridge University Press
Lukes, S. (2021)
Power: A Radical View (3rd Edition)
, Power: A Radical View (3rd Edition)
Clemens, E. (2016)
What is Political Sociology?
, Polity Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Drake, M. (2010)
Political Sociology for a Globalizing World
, Polity Press
Amenta, E., Nash, K. and Scott, A. (eds) (2011)
The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Political Sociology,
, Wiley-Blackwell
Alford, R., Hicks, A. and Schwartz, M. (2005)
The Handbook of Political Sociology states, civil societies, and globalization,
, Cambridge University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MASYCSTFA - SOCIOLOGY (YOUTH, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL REGENERATIO
MASYCSTPA - SOCIOLOGY (YOUTH, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL REGENERATION)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
martin.j.power@ul.ie