SOC30370 Historical Sociology

Academic Year 2020/2021

Historical sociologists study how social order changes through long periods of time. More specifically the focus is on the variety of social processes that have shaped human lives through history. In contrast to the conventional historical interpretations that aim to describe particular historical events (i.e. 1789 French Revolution or the origins of First World War etc.) historical sociologists centre on identifying and explaining general patterns of social action through time (why, when and how revolutions and wars happen?). This module will introduce students to the key concepts in historical sociology including the state, war and organised violence, revolution, nationalism, ideology, genocide, and empire among others.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module the students will be able to demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the main approaches and central debates in historical sociology. In particular they will be familiar with the key sociological concepts such as the state, war and organised violence, revolution, ideology, nationalism, genocide and empire.

Indicative Module Content:

1. What is Historical Sociology?
2. From Nomadic to Sedentary World
3. Empires
4. Nation-States
5. The State Formation and Warfare
6. Revolutions and Civil Wars
7. Genocides and Terrorism
8. Nationalisms: The Origins and Historical Diffusion
9. Nation-States and Nationalisms: 19th and 20st Centuries
10. Historical Sociology and Contemporary Social Change

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Autonomous Student Learning

101

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module involves one hour of lecturing and one hour of active/task-based learning including peer and group work with debates and student discussions. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: The students will write short weekly summaries on the topics discussed in class. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Essay: The first part of the module will be assessed by 2000 essay. Week 6 n/a Graded No

40

Essay: The second part of the module will be assessed by the final essay of 2000 words. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on assessed coursework as individual comments during office hours.