This course deals with the social construction of the self. It addresses the paradox that, although we are shaped by powerful social forces, we have a sense of ourselves as autonomous individuals. It will show how this sense of individual selfhood is of recent origin, associated with the development of modern society. We will also explore how individuals confront unfamiliar institutional environments to show that the 'sociological imagination' can help us come to terms with every day experiences. Throughout the unit, we will use historical and comparative research in order to question the taken-for-granted assumption that the way we organise our lives is the 'natural' way human beings shape their interactions. We will see how concepts such as 'time', 'space', 'nature' and 'self' are 'social constructs' that change through history. 

500 word exercise (10%), essay plan (10%), tutorial participation (10%), research essay (35%) and synoptic essay (35%).

Two one-hour lectures and one one-hour tutorial.

Offered every year.

Lectures will be taped and will be available on WebCT