ClassInfo

This introduction to political sociology focuses on the social bases of power and various dimensions of the exercise of power in the modern world. It explores debates concerning the nature of state power in contemporary societies and takes a comparative/historical perspective on key long-term processes of political change. The goal is to develop an understanding of these debates and a capacity to link them to concrete problems of social research and political practice. The focus is on historically informed approaches to the politics of state formation, nation building, colonialism, imperialism, democratization, globalization, citizenship, and contentious politics. The first two weeks of the course address debates over the concept of power, examining socio-economic and cultural dimensions of power and the relationship between power, interests, and knowledge. The following three weeks examine different theories of the state and various aspects of state power, including the relationship between nation-states, globalization, multinational corporations, and digital technologies. We then spend two weeks examining the politics of nation-building and citizenship and the operation of processes of inclusion and exclusion in national political communities, with a focus on immigration policies. The subsequent eight weeks survey debates over the impact of the internet on political participation and democracy, authoritarian populism and the future of democracy, the politics of food and agricultural development, the political sociology of colonialism and imperialism, the relationship between political parties, social movements, and political change, and the role of emotions in electoral and non-electoral politics.
The topics and readings reflect my own interests and expertise, but you should feel free to pursue other areas of interest. The written assignments give you an opportunity review key theoretical debates in your own areas of interest and to think about how the concepts and theories discussed in our seminar relate to research and political practice in these areas.

Although you will not receive a participation grade in this course, you are expected to come to class prepared to discuss the readings and to send weekly discussion questions. Your final grade will be based on the two essays, each of which is worth 40% of your final grade and a policy brief, which is worth 20% of your final grade. Late papers will be graded down one-third of a grade for every day late, i.e. an A
will become an A- and a B+ will become a B if the paper is one day late. In order to get a grade of B+ or higher in this course, you must attend all of the seminars or provide a legitimate excuse for your absence (e.g. a health problem or family emergency) and submit discussion questions every week. If you are going to miss a class, please let me know in advance. In the case of a borderline grade (e.g. between a B+ and A-), your final grade will be determined by my judgment of the quantity and quality of classroom participation and the quality of your weekly discussion questions. No incompletes will be given for this course.

The grades for your three papers will be based on the following criteria:

·Substance: Does the paper address the questions, show an awareness of the central ideas and debates in the required readings, and make connections among the readings and to relevant class discussions and presentations? Are the ideas original?

·Evidence: Are statements accurate and are opinions adequately supported by evidence? Are relevant examples provided? Are sources identified and appropriately documented?

·Organization: Is the structure of the paper clear, with an introduction, development, and conclusion?
Is each paragraph coherent? Are transitions from one idea to the next logical?

·Mechanics: Is the sentence structure correct? Are sentences awkward? Are there errors in the use of verbs, pronouns, modifiers, word usage, punctuation, and spelling?