Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101985

Coordinator Alana Lentin Opens in new window

Description This unit examines the effects of politics on society and of the social on politics. Politics is understood as a struggle for defining how we live in common with others. We examine how power is attained and maintained and how some ideologies dominate over others to shape opportunities for challenging the status quo. Our focus is the contemporary nation-state in the context of globalisation, increased transnationalism, and shifting balances of power. Key themes include economic and social inequality in the modern state, the colonial power matrix, discipline and punishment, gender and race, and resistance to oppression. Each week will combine theoretical approaches and case-study based 'perspectives' on the topic.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Sociology

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Restrictions

Successful completion of 60 credit points of study in currently enrolled program.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Analyse the relationship between political phenomena and social relations in contemporary societies
2. Engage deeply with the set readings and be able to articulate their main arguments.
3. Critically reflect upon the meaning, relevance and impact of resistance strategies.
4. Use written, visual and oral methods for communicating the above.

Subject Content

1. Introduction: "All Power to all the People"
2. Why everything costs money?
3. The Coloniality of Power
4. Global health inequities (perspective)
5. Indigenous resistance (perspective)
6. Stigma Power
7. Anti-Poverty Activism (perspective)
8. Gender and Power
9. Gender and Resistance (perspective)
10. The Punishing State
11. "Change Everything": The movement for abolition (perspective)
12. Conspiracy theory and the far-right
13. Conclusion