Module: SOC4100-20 Power/Resistance

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Claire Edwards-Evans

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.edwards-evans@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module introduces you to the relationship between the state and citizens and the spaces of social and political action between them through the key social science concepts of power and resistance. You will examine sources of power, how power is used, the subjects and practices of resistance and the capacity of individuals, organisations and the state to generate, direct or resist social change in an increasingly complex, globalised and mediated world. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the modern state including modes of governance, political ideologies, and the processes of law-making and policy development. You will also explore the domain of civil society and how through social mobilisation, volunteering, activism and protest, individuals and groups engage politically with the state and other forms of organised power and authority. This may include study of activism by actors such as trade union movements, women’s movements, LGBT activists, anti-capitalist movements, anti-war movements, human rights campaigners and the disabled people’s movement. This module will thus provide a grounding in key debates in modern politics and policy and ask questions about the nature of freedom, control, rebellion, dissent, democracy and agency in contemporary societies in local, national, global and digital contexts.

2. Outline syllabus:

The curriculum will be drawn from topics which may include:

The nation-state and civil society

Modern political ideologies

Political and civic participation

Citizenship and rights

Democracy and the public sphere

Resource mobilisation and direct action

Demonstrations, riots, civil disobedience

Contentious politics and New social movements

Elites, domination and hegemony

Grassroots and social activism

Virtual communities and internet activism

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. Lectures will introduce each topic and provide guidance on indicative reading. Seminars will provide an opportunity to develop your learning through group discussion and in class activities. Workshops will focus on preparation for your assessment, which is to create an advocacy campaign on an issue of your choice. Working in groups you will produce a manifesto for your campaign, posters, leaflets, a social media strategy and an evaluation of challenges and obstacles to the campaign’s goals.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Group Campaign that includes (i) a campaign design and presentation (1500 words) and (ii) analysis of a real world campaign (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 100%