Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.230.395

Contemporary Social Theory

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.8)

What is the structure of society, how does it change, and how is it reproduced? What is the relation between social structures and our ideas about them? What are the conditions of possibility for human freedom? This course will examine how social theorists have advanced novel answers to these questions as they grappled with the historical events and social concerns of the 20th and 21st centuries. This semester there will be a particular focus on the social theories of Antonio Gramsci, Pierre Bourdieu, Michel Foucault, Nancy Fraser and Stuart Hall. In addition to understanding and comparing theories, we will assess their usefulness for understanding our present conjuncture with a particular emphasis on right-wing extremism and the relationship between racism and capitalism.

Spring 2015

(5.0)

Spring 2023

(4.61)

Spring 2015

Professor: Michael Levien

(5.0)

Students enjoyed the fascinating readings and the knowledgeable professor who was able to guide engaging class discussion. There was a significant amount of assigned readings which were difficult and very long. Suggestions for improvement included spending time during class discussing reading responses and relating course concepts to current events. Prospective students should be prepared for an intellectually challenging course with a significant amount of reading.

Spring 2023

Professor: Michael Levien

(4.61)