This module explores the economic, social, political and moral aspects of neoliberalisation in low- and middle-income countries. Notions of power, the state, capital, class, agency and morality are central to considerations of economic and political change. Several key topics, including gendered politics, state corruption, international aid and donation, global finance, informal settlements and migration, will be discussed. The module is interdisciplinary, giving students the opportunity to engage with key ideas and studies from sociology and political science to development studies and ethics. Each week students will explore a broad range of literature, spanning from political sociology to moral economy, so that students gain a deeper appreciation of people' politics and values in emerging and newly liberal societies.
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 178
Total study hours: 200
Optional to the following courses:
Sociology MA
Political Sociology MA
* International Social Policy MA
* Criminology MA
Methods of Social Research MA
* Two-year masters versions of the courses listed above
Main assessment methods
Coursework – essay (5000 words) – 100%.
Reassessment methods
100% coursework.
Almond, G & Verba, S (1989) The Civic Culture, London: Sage
Almond, G & Verba, S (1989) (ed.) The Civic Culture Revisited, London: Sage
Lukes, S (2004) Power: a radical view, London: Palgrave Macmillan
Habermas, J (1975) Legitimation Crisis, Boston: Beacon Press
Moore, B (1993) Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy, Boston: Beacon Press
Poggi, G (1975) The Development of the Modern State, Stanford: Stanford University Press
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the conditions of economic, political and moral stability and legitimacy in low- and middle-income countries, and the various challenges and challengers thereto
8.2 Make connections between theories of economic, social and political stability and change developed in one period and place to events and processes in other places at other times
8.3 Reflect critically upon arguments concerning the threats to capitalism and democracy from various sources, and upon the relationship between social structure and processes and political institutions, processes and outcomes
8.4 Articulate a critical understanding of the legacies of historical processes and institutions upon contemporary economic and political situations
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Demonstrate highly developed skills in written presentation and critical debate, and in utilisation of research
9.2 Demonstrate advanced research skills through library investigation, critical debate and essay writing
9.3 Synthesise and evaluate items of knowledge from different schools and disciplines of enquiry
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