Self, Culture and Society 2 (92)

Course is Full

Course Code

SOSC 12500 92

Course Description

The “Self, Culture, and Society” sequence introduces students to a broad range of social scientific theories and methodologies that deepen their understanding of basic problems of cultural, social, and historical existence. The sequence starts with the conceptual foundations of political economy and theories of capitalism and meaning in modern society. In the second course of the sequence, students consider the cultural and social constitution of the self, foregrounding the exploration of sexuality, gender, and race and tackle questions about the construction of self and society. The works of Durkheim, Freud, de Beauvoir, Fanon, and others inform investigation of symbolic representation, the strength of social forces, the unconscious, culture, ethics and violence, sexuality, gender, and race. Classes are conducted as discussion seminars, rather than lectures, focused on the texts assigned. The focus will be on understanding complex arguments regarding the nature of modern social life.

Course Criteria

Instructor(s)

Molly Cunningham

This course is full. UChicago students can request to be added on a waitlist. Visiting students are strongly invited to choose another course and email summersession@uchicago.edu to inquire about the waitlist status.