50142 Social Theory

This subject tackles the work of some key 'classical' and contemporary theorists. Through lectures, close readings, discussion, and reflection, the subject deals with key theoretical concepts and their potential use in helping to open the structure and experience of social life to further questioning.

Throughout the subject, a conceptual toolkit is developed to help students think through three broad questions about the nature of social life: how social relationships are structured, maintained, and reproduced; where does the body fit into the reproduction of social life?; and the possibilities and limitations of community and identity.

A key component of the subject is the discussion of the work of theorists whose thinking has had an enduring impact on how these questions about social life have been framed. Though this subject focuses on the work of theorists appearing throughout the last century, this subject is not a survey of the 'recent' history of social theory. The selection of theorists offers a starting point for engaging with a range of key issues from different historical and philosophical standpoints. Further, the juxtaposition of theorists deliberately encourages debate about resonances between different approaches and underlines the need to read widely, and to not be afraid to draw on theoretical work of all kinds in engaging with social issues.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus