Self, Culture, and Society 3 (93)
Course Code
SOSC 12600 93
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. Students then consider the cultural and social constitution of the self, foregrounding the exploration of sexuality, gender, and race.
In the third course of the sequence, students critically examine dominant discourses of science, individuality, and alterity, keeping an eye towards the application of social theory to contemporary concerns. Beginning with post-modern, post-colonial, and other critiques of sciences of self, culture, and society (as articulated by Kuhn, Foucault, and Said), the course investigates how new theories arise and new problems are addressed, how new perspectives (more global, more inclusive) test and challenge, and how social scientists change, renew, and improve their insights. The course focuses on topics of contemporary concern, including the human impact on the environment, feminism outside the West, and the rise of global cities.
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
PQ: SOSC 12400 and 12500
Social Sciences Core courses (SOSC 12400-12500-12600) must be taken in sequence.
Enrollment is limited to 19.
Instructor(s)
Omar Kutty
UChicago Registration 1Other Courses to Consider
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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 first course in the sequence deals with the conceptual foundations of political economy and theories of capitalism and meaning in modern society. The social theories of Ibn Khaldun, Smith, Marx, and Weber, supplemented by historical and ethnographic works, serve as points of departure for considering the characterizing features of the modern world. Particular emphasis is given to socioeconomic structure, theories of historical change, possibilities for individual freedom, the meaning of work, and globalization.
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.
Remote - Self, Culture, and Society 2 (93)
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.
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