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People and the State - SOC00071I

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  • Department: Sociology
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

In this module we explore this question by introducing you to political sociology as a way of understanding how the social and political structures we create to govern ourselves interact. The module considers how changes in identities, technology, and culture reshape the way people interact with and reshape the state.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

What role does and should the state play in shaping and controlling the lives of its citizens? In this module we explore this question by introducing you to political sociology as a way of understanding how the social and political structures we create to govern ourselves interact. By examining and critiquing the relationship between the institutions of the state and the people that reside within it, we address issues of rights, responsibilities, and motivations. . We also examine the way rights are granted to some (citizens) and withheld or restricted from others (such as migrants or welfare recipients). Finally, the module considers how changes in identities, technology, and culture reshape the way people interact with and reshape the state.

Module learning outcomes

Evaluate the role of rights, responsibilities and motivations within the field of political sociology;

Critically analyse the interplay of politics and society in relation to contemporary events;

Use key concepts from political sociology to examine in detail the social and political implications of current social issues with the support of advanced theoretical and empirical materials;

Convey your ideas to different audiences about the relationship between the state and individuals;

Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of intersectionality in the construction of modern day citizenship in diverse settings.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

For formative work - Blog Exercise - students will receive written or verbal feedback on how to improve their skills in areas that will contribute towards their summative assessment. The formative assessment provides practice for the summative task, which is in line with MLO 2.

For summative work - Essay - students will receive an overall mark and grading according to clearly defined criteria for assessing their knowledge, skills and abilities in line with MLO 1-5. They will also receive written feedback showing areas in which they have done well, and those areas in which they need to improve that will contribute to their progress.

Indicative reading

  • Parekh, Bhikhu (2008) A New Politics of Identity, Basingstoke:Palgrave
  • Burgess, Jean & Green, Joshua (2009) YouTube: online video and participatory culture,Cambrideg:Polity Press.
  • Castells, Manual (2012) Networks of Outrage and Hope, Cambridge: Polity
  • Della Porta, Donatella (ed) (2009) Social Movements in a Globalizing World, Basingstoke: Palgrave
  • Fraser, Nancy, (2008) Scales of Justice: reimagining political space in a globalizing world. Cambridge: Polity
  • Hirst, Paul., Thompson, Graeme & Bromley, Simon (3rd Edn) (2009) Globalization in Question, Cambridge: Polity
  • Hoffman, Beyond the State: an introductory critique, Cambridge: Polity Press.
  • Lukes, S. (2005) Power: a radical view (2nd edn) Houndmills: Palgrave Macmillan
  • Lievrouw, Leah (2009) Alternative and Activist New Media, Cambridge: Polity
  • Lyon, David (2009) Identifying Citizens: ID cards as surveillance, Cambridge: Polity
  • Mann, Michael. The Sources of Social Power Volume 1.
  • Mattelart, Armanf (2009) The Globalization of Surveillance, Cambridge: Polity
  • Nash, Kate (2010) Contemporary Political Sociology: Globalization, Politics and Power, Wiley-Blackwell
  • Negrine, Ralph (2008) The Transformation of Political Communication, Basingstoke: Palgrave
  • Outhwaite, William (2008) European Society, Cambridge: Polity
  • Taylor, Graham (2010) The New Political Sociology, Basingstoke: Palgrave.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.