ASOK05224U Political Sociology Theory Seminar

In this course we make a tour de force through the history of political sociology in order to figure out where we are today in terms of sociological theory building. We investigate major theoretical composites in a meta-theoretical perspective, appoint problems and evaluate them in reference to the desire for operationalization. Student essays or synopsis are written with the aim of rehearsing how to write the theoretical part of a thesis. Often student do not get enough out of the theory they present in their thesis. One does not have to know what will be the subject of the actual thesis, but in order to rehearse we make up examples. The meta-theoretical exercise can aid participants in evaluating theories in terms of suitability for a project, the possibility for operationalization and eventual pitfalls to be avoided in deploying the theory.

The course is built as a series of lectures where we move directly to the core of the theoretical composite in question. Knowledge of at least some of the main authors is thus a prerequisite. The course will be adjusted in reference to the evaluation of the similar course from spring 2013. The program is as follows:

Political Sociology – Theory Seminar

The lectures aim at presenting different answers to the central question in political sociology: how do we come to terms with the concept of power in the study of society? Here the question of power is put in the context of themes like religion and culture through which sociology has sought to come to terms with the concept of social cohesion. The introduction of religion and culture into political sociology accentuates a classic focus on the question: What is the force keeping society together? Throughout the introductory lectures, this general question will be raised in reference to our list of theoreticians. Both the classics and the modern responses to the classics revolve around this question in different forms and with different emphasis. We shall read a paragraph from Nietzsche and present a framework for grasping the different theoretical efforts in one framework where we can assess the different contributions with their different emphasis as we work our way through the history of political sociology. The course is based on lectures on the basis of texts. There is a compendium to the course. A final plan for reading is expected soon. Expect a short excerpt from the classics and around 50 pages of secondary reading per session. Below an outline for the course is given. It is not complete, but can be considered as final in its choice of content, shape and form.

The course is built in three steps. Firstly, we investigate the classics. Here we have taken a wide scope on the classical texts in political sociology. By introducing Sorel, we come to facilitate the introduction of genealogical and anthropological approaches to the subject. Secondly, we investigate some deeper reactions to its foundation from inside broadly founded philosophical and political theoretical approaches to our central questions. Thirdly, we come to contemporary perspectives on political sociology. Here we come to discuss modern topics in political sociology by focusing on our central themes of power, governance, social cohesion and conflict. Finally, we come to a discussion of the demarcation between political sociology and political theory. 

1. Themes in Political Sociology                                                                    
2. The use of Religion and Culture in Political Sociological Theories
3. Emile Durkheim  - The Function of Religion in Society
4. Max Weber – Bureaucracy and Power                                                       
5. Georges E. Sorel – Myth and Stratification                                              
6. Carl Schmitt – The Political and Sovereignty                        
7. Lewis A. Coser – The Function of Conflict                           
8. Jürgen Habermas – Theory of Communicative Action          
9. Michel Foucault – Disciplinary Institutions and Power        
10. Samuel P. Huntington – Modernization and Political Movements              
11. Power and Governance                                                                                                                                    
12. Social Cohesion and Conflict                                                                                                                          
13. Political Sociology and Political Theory today                                                                                            
14. Closure: Seminar        

See schedule here.