Sociology

Calendar Description of SOCIOLOGY 4033 ADVANCED SOCIOLOGICAL THEORY states “A critical examination of selected orientations from contemporary sociological theory. The implications of these perspectives for both the nature of sociological inquiry and the prevailing models of society are considered. Prerequisites: SOCI 2033 and 3023”

DR. GÜL’S TAKE: FOUNDATIONAL THEORIES OF GRAMSCI, FANON, AND FOUCAULT

In this seminar, we will engage in the works of three influential theorists: Antonio Gramsci, Frantz Fanon, and Michel Foucault. Reading Gramsci, Fanon, and Foucault together is crucial because their combined insights offer a comprehensive exploration of power dynamics, ideology, and resistance across different contexts, from colonial struggles to societal structures.

We will read from their original work, and other works reading their works and putting them in conversation with one another.

This course encourages students to explore how research can inform social justice and social change. Examining specific debates from the fields of feminist research, Indigenous methodologies, and critical race theory, students will gain new understandings in the various ways research can both reproduce and challenge operations of power and privilege. This course offers students the opportunity to engage in debates around these methodologies as they consider how to do research for social change.

As an application of this discussion, the course immerses students in research-based and experiential learning. It includes a workshop on the ethics of community interaction, discussions on research justice literature, and the writing of a review paper to prepare students for community engagement activities. Coursework involves planning and conducting community discussion meetings, as well as writing and presenting papers on their community engagement and learning outcomes, utilizing research justice literature and self-reflection as assignments.

Course Description

The focus of this course is on the type of political system known as liberal democracy. Particular emphasis is placed on the historical genesis of liberal democracy, on its structural dynamics, and on the role of the working class within the system. The examination includes an analysis of the sources of stability and cleavage governing the development of liberal democracies. Finally, the functioning of liberal democracies is contrasted with that of communist political systems.

Course Goals

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand how the ‘age of rage’ reflects the current state of neoliberal politics in contemporary society.  Specifically, you should be able to understand how the concepts of freedom, democracy, truth, wokeness, choice, and taxpaying have been coopted by defenders of neoliberalism and what can be done to reclaim ownership of them.

Required Readings

Caroll Off (2024).  At A Loss For Words:  Conversation in the Age of Rage, Penguin Random House Canada

PURCHASE:  https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/729716/at-a-loss-for-words-by-carol-off/9781039008434