Sociology

This course links theories of wellbeing to spiritual practices, providing a space to consider how we envisage and experience spirituality in a society often described as secular. It considers how spirituality is associated with health and wellbeing in contemporary societies. For example, in the growth of mindfulness practices in a range of health, social care, and educational settings. It discusses "belief" in wellbeing (and ‘non-belief’ as part of this), considering differences between a religious and spiritual perspective, while treating people’s beliefs with care and respect. Students examine evidence for the effectiveness of spiritual practices, such as meditation and prayer, for wellbeing. The course further reflects on the ways individuals and communities use practices that have emerged from a spiritual foundation, such as mindfulness, martial arts, chanting, yoga, and shamanic work.

The course examines major modes of explaining nationalism, and relates nationalism to other key themes in sociology. It begins by examining key concepts, theories, and typologies of nationalism, with particular attention focused on the distinction among ethnic, civic, and civil nationalism. Thereafter the course explores the relationship between nationalism and other social and political processes, such as language, religion, class, gender, conflict regulation, and globalization. The course uses substantive case material to inform an understanding of nationalism.

The course covers the main themes of London's contested geography and history: London as a trading city, as an Imperial center, and as the seat of both traditional authority and Parliament. Looking at the peopling of London, the course explores the transformation of British society through inward migration, and the way that the social contract was made and remade again with each generation that populated the city. Students examine the social changes and political debates that have shaped London, and the country's idea of "who we are." Lastly, the course explores London's social problems from slum clearance to gentrification and "social cleansing."

This course examines the social and historical contexts of violence and peace. Topics include: violence in politics; state and violence; peace and diplomacy; war and technological development; cultures of war and cultures of peace; etc.

At a time of economic and health crises, structural unemployment and the densification of international labor flows, the forms of employment, and the work situations that result from them, are very heterogeneous. While the "Northern" countries largely exploit the labor force of the Southern countries, inequalities in employment and working conditions are also growing within each country. A large proportion of the workforce is vulnerable on the labor market, and subject to precarious employment that calls into question the most protective forms of employment. In Europe, for example, full-time salaried work on open-ended contracts is becoming less and less the norm, while new service jobs are flourishing, offering only very low paid working hours to workers. This course asks how we can explain the massification of low-quality jobs and work situations around the world. Students consider how the globalization of the labor market increases inequalities between workers. Prerequisites: Two years of Sociology coursework is recommended. A previous course of Sociology of Work is not especially required.

This course studies the essential elements of social planning, its theory, methods, design, implementation, and evaluation. Topics include: theoretical issues in social planning; techniques and methods in social planning; problem analysis; building support; program design and development; program implementation; social program evaluation; goals and objectives in social program evaluation; measuring the implementation of social programs; measuring the impact and effectiveness of social programs; social impact assessment and the evaluation report.