This course draws on sociological theory and political thought to understand changes in citizenship, development of the state and understandings of democracy. It focuses on questions of power and trust in considering the role of politicians, the state, and citizen involvement in the political system, including conventional and unconventional political action, and links between citizens and political associations. These issues are explored in the context of social changes in Europe and support among political elites and ordinary citizens for nation states and the European Union. The key themes in the course are citizenship and the state; public opinion and political persuasion; citizen involvement in decision-making as a form of manipulation and social control; and the possibility of democracy. The approach adopted in this course allows for appraisal of prevailing theories about citizens and the state and analysis of case studies.

Tutorial participation, essay and an examination.

22 hours of lectures and 11 tutorials.

Any two first-year Sociology courses if undertaking the Sociology major or two first-year Arts courses.

Pierson, C. The Modern State, London: Routledge, 1996.

Barker, P. Regeneration, Penguin Books, 1991.