Theories of Power (U00329)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-3-SYPOWER

Power is a central concept for social and political analysis. This course introduces students to major approaches to theories of power, and their application to substantive areas of research. Exact foci may vary from year to year, but the general format will be as follows: The course will first explore definitions and debates in regard to conceptual distinctions such as 'power over' versus 'power to', conflict versus consensus, and agency versus structure. It will then examine and compare approaches to power that respectively emphasise 'knowledge' and 'organisation' as its basis. In the latter half of the course it will turn to the way substantive areas of research, such as kinship, gender, religion, ideology, economy, and the state shape the way power is conceptualised. Conclusions will reflect on the relationship between normative social theory and the conceptualisation of power.

Entry Requirements

? Costs : None

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Sociology, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
08/01/2007	09:00	10:50	Room G.01, William Robertson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:
- identify and critically assess major themes in the theorisation of power;
- formulate a position on the value and importance of concepts of knowldege and organisation for understandings of power;
- analyse the ways substantive fields of research inform conceptions of power, and how specific conceptions of power may shape empirical research.