What are the great transformations that gave rise to our global society? How did the emergence of industrialisation and imperial capitalism change the world...

Historical Foundations of Sociological Thought (SOCS0099)

What are the great transformations that gave rise to our global society? How did the emergence of industrialisation and imperial capitalism change the world around us and our thinking about power, injustice and global inequalities? How have the big revolutions of the 18th-20th centuries re-shaped the way we think about modernity, democracy and the nation state? This module offers a critical introduction to the historical antecedents of sociological theory. The module moves beyond conventional Eurocentric and chronological accounts of key historical events, processes and structures of the modern era. The module explores the ways in which 20th century sociological thinking developed as a way to understand these changes and the advent of modern ideologies such as liberalism, socialism and fascism. In doing so it illuminates the historic dimensions of a globalizing present, preparing students to engage with ideas around today’s interconnected yet greatly unequal global society. The module’s seminars interrogate further these topics, debating de-centred perspectives on historical turning points that drove global change, and encouraging rigorous criticism of the continuing global effects of colonialism, imperialism, and racism today.

For Modern Languages students who cannot take the 30-credit version and need a 15-credit version. Also for affiliate students in Term 1 only or Term 2...

Finland: Environment Society Culture Affiliates (SEEF0029)

For Modern Languages students who cannot take the 30-credit version and need a 15-credit version. Also for affiliate students in Term 1 only or Term 2 only.

This is a compulsory module for students on degree programmes with Finnish. This module seeks to provide a broad introduction to a small nation-state situated on the northern periphery of the continent of Europe. The central theme of the module will be the question of national identity: how has it been achieved, and in what conditions and circumstances? Answers will be sought by studying how the Finns live, what has shaped their style and manner of life, how they perceive themselves and how others perceive them. Topics include history and politics, state and society, language, folk culture, literature and the arts. No prior knowledge of Finnish language is required, but you will learn new vocabulary along the module.