Contemporary Social Theory

This course introduces key theorists and concepts in contemporary social theory to advanced social science students who have taken courses in classical theory. It focuses on the lineages of sociological concepts like hegemony, Orientalism, symbolic power etc. which are widely used in the sociological lexicon and seeks to demonstrate how these concepts are applied in empirical research. The course also aims to discuss the major axes of domination in modern society as developed by each theory. This will lead to a discussion of the underlying aims of social theory, and the circumstances under which sociology can be critical and emancipatory.