Bloch, A. (2010) Race and Ethnicity in the 21st Century. Palgrave
E. Cashmore & J. Jennings (eds.) (2001) Racism: Essential Readings. Sage
Cohen, Robin and Paul Kennedy (2nd edn. 2007) Global Sociology, Macmillan.
Conway, D. and Heynen, N. (eds.) (2006) Globalization¿s Contradictions: geographies of discipline, destruction and transformation. Routledge.
Jenkins, R. (2008) Rethinking Ethnicity. Sage
McMichael, P. (2004, 3rd ed) Development and Social Change: a global perspective. Pine Forge.
Perrons, D. (2004) Globalization and Social Change: people and places in a divided world. Routledge.
Wade, P. (2002) Race, Nature and Culture, Pluto Press
Healey J. (2010) Diversity and Society: Race Ethnicity and Gender. Sage

This module will analyse the relationship between the 'global' and the 'local' in terms of contemporary societies. It will utilise different levels of analysis - from universalising development and globalisation theories to more localised ethnographic analysis - and ask to what extent the concept of 'society' and the nation state is still relevant in a 'globalised world'.

Particular attention will be paid to the changing relationship of different types of societies (e.g. western/non-western, post-industrial, advanced industrialised, post-communist, low-income) at the global level. At the local level however issues of social identity, difference and community are explored. Race and ethnicity will, in particular, be a major focus of the module; enabling an examination of the ways in which social, cultural and economic factors interact in defining ethnic identities and underpin ethnic conflict.

Attention will also be paid to the way in which globalisation has supported and encouraged the emergence of new forms of social solidarity, such as global social movements, and led to greater cultural diversity and interaction through processes such as international migration. The specific case studies and examples will vary from year to year but will involve combinations of the following:

The conceptualisation of ethnicity, race, culture, belief systems, class, social stratification and social. Differentiation.
The comparative study of slavery, caste and race.
Sociological & Darwinian theories and perspectives on race, eugenics and ethnicity.
Anthropological studies of violence, genocide and 'ethnic cleansing'
Case studies of racial and ethnic conflict, community, identity, representation and symbolism.
Social organisation and systems of reciprocity.
Urban life and the Chicago school, melting pot theory, 'multi-culturalism' and the study of community, identity and race in America.
Ethnic conflict in Ireland, history, belief systems and colonialism.
Cultural encounters between western and non-western peoples.
Major theories of social development and globalisation.
The global division of labour.
Global social movements and civil society.
International migration and refugees.
Transnational crime and warfare.

An essay (50%) (3500 words)
A portfolio (50%) (3500 words)


Key Information Set:
100% coursework

Whole group lectures, supported by seminars/workshops and electronic materials provided in Blackboard. Seminars will support students' learning through encouraging students to engage with the major themes and ideas introduced in lectures and through promoting the further development of subject and other key skills. In addition, seminars will support and guide students in the use of independent study time in order to prepare for workshops, and in order to fulfil assessment requirements. Directed study schemes form an explicit part of the independent learning strategy, requiring students to work on particular materials, issues and concepts. Students are also encouraged to seek individual tutorial guidance to support their learning and/or to prepare for assessment as required.


Key Information Set:

20% scheduled learning and teaching activities comprising:
Lectures
Seminars
Formative assessments

80% guided independent learning activities comprising:
Guided reading and research
Personal tutorials
Preparation for scheduled sessions
Completion of assessment tasks
Exam practice and revision

Access to:
Blackboard
Powerpoint/OHP projection facilities
Internet and email
VCR/DVD playback facilities