Historical Sociology
This module provides an introduction to those traditions in social theory that have sought to understand the nature of societies by treating them as aspects of a process of historical development. Theorists covered include Karl Marx, Max Weber, Robert Michels, Antonio Gramsci, Leon Trotsky, E P Thompson, Perry Anderson, Barringtoon Moore, Werner Sombart, Theda Skocpol and Michael Mann. Topics include the origins of capitalism, the formation and variants of the modern state, class and class consciousness, the peculiarities of national development and the relative contributions of social structures and agency in bringing about social change.
Convenor: Professor David Howell
Duration of course: two terms, Autumn and Spring.
Credits: 40.
Procedural requirements: a seminar presentation in each term, and a procedural essay at the end of the first term.
Assessment: One three hour examination to be held in week 1 of term 6; and one essay of 3000 words to be submitted on Monday of week 2 of term 6.
Module guide 2009-2010 (pdf)
Past Exam Papers
2004 (pdf)
2005 (pdf)
2006 (pdf)
2007 (pdf)