This module will provide you with an overview of key thinkers and movements in the tradition of critical social theory. Lectures will introduce theorists and theoretical turns and situate them in relation to historical events and political struggles. The changing conceptualisation of power and class will provide a focus running throughout the module and help us to see how the different theoretical approaches relate to each other, and to historical and political events.

Lectures will give a broad historical outline and overview of theoretical approaches. Seminars will concentrate on specific texts and develop skills in critical reading, analysis and discussion.

In addition to lectures and seminars, you will be required to meet up in small groups to discuss readings and work collaboratively to produce a reading group report.

The main topics will include Marxism, Power/Knowledge (post-structuralism), and Class and Culture.