SOC30710 Historical Sociology

Academic Year 2023/2024

Historical sociologists study how social orders change over long periods of time. The focus is on the variety of social processes that have shaped human experience throughout history. In contrast to the conventional historical interpretations that aim to describe specific historical events (i.e. 1789 French Revolution or the origins of First World War, 1914-1918) historical sociologists aim to identify and explain general patterns of social action through time (i.e. Why, when, and how revolutions or wars happen?). This module will introduce students to the key themes in historical sociology including the origins and expansion of the state, the transformation of organised violence, the rise and fall of empires, the dynamics of revolutions, wars, nationalism, ideology, genocide, and terrorism. The intention is to review the leading theoretical approaches and key concepts in the field in a way that illustrates theory with the concrete empirical examples and historical case studies.

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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 detail understanding of the main approaches and central debates in historical sociology. They will be familiar with the key sociological concepts such as the state, empire, organised violence, revolution, ideology, nationalism, genocide, and terrorism.

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 Social Origins and Historical Transformation
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
Total

24
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module consists of a lecture and a seminar. The lecture introduces the students to the key issues, theories, and approaches on a specific topic from historical sociology. The seminar involves work in small groups where students reflect on the question from the weekly topic. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
SOC30370 - Historical Sociology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: 2500 words mid-term essay from the list of the topics provided. Week 6 n/a Graded No

40
Essay: 2500 words final essay from the list of the topics provided. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

40
Continuous Assessment: A portfolio of 10 short weekly assignments (300 words each). Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

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

• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided online together with the grades for the mid term essay. Other feedback will be offered individually during the office hours.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 7 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 12:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 7 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn