SOCI 637: Political Sociology

SOCI 637-002: Political Sociology
(Spring 2026)

04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M

Innovation Hall 336

View the schedule of classes

Section Information for Spring 2026

This course introduces students to the sociological study of politics. While political scientists examine politics within specific institutions, such as Congress or political parties, sociologists study politics in a wide variety of settings, including social movements, the workplace, universities, public housing, international development, the arts, social media platforms, as well as more conventional political institutions. Political sociology in dialogue with other disciplines has been ground breaking, mixing empirical research with theory building. I have chosen a set of award-winning books and key authors in the field of political sociology, as well as including the works of an anthropologist, a historian, and a political theorist. We will explore central concepts and debates in the field: the political, politics, the state, democracy, authoritarianism, social movements, political activism and dissent, political parties, citizenship and rights, and neoliberalism. Our books take us through many countries, from our start in Appalachia and the Midwest of the United States to China, Lebanon, Western Europe, the Soviet Union, the Arab Spring across the Middle East, and the West African and Caribbean countries of the Non-Aligned Movement. Students are encouraged to bring their research interests to our discussions and exploration of the political, politics, and political sociology.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

This course introduces students to the sociological study of politics through a close examination of relations of power and authority, social institutions, networks, and culture. Using a variety of theoretical texts and case studies from different time periods and schools of thought, the course demonstrates how political sociologists use these fundamental “gateway” concepts, among others, to make sense of more innovative concepts in order to explore and make sense of the dynamism of contemporary politics. Using this framework, the course looks closely at the issue of the struggle for democracy in diverse, complex, and changing modern societies. Offered by Sociology & Anthropology. May not be repeated for credit.
Registration Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.

Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.

Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.

Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.