Contemporary Theory in Sociological Analysis (406-3-20)

Instructors

Katrina Quisumbing King
kqk@northwestern.edu
Professor Quisumbing King received her PhD in sociology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2018. Before joining Northwestern, she spent two years as a postdoctoral fellow at USC. Her research and teaching interests lie in topics related to empire, race and ethnicity, citizenship and migration, intersectionality, law, and political and historical sociology.

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 222: Fri 9:30AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This graduate seminar provides an overview of how different thinkers have conceived of modernity, the conditions under which society became "modern," as well as modernity's constituent parts, related processes, and alternatives. It puts theories of modernity in conversation with post/de-colonial critique and the Black Radical Tradition. The course aims to cover major theoretical controversies, conceptual distinctions, and empirical debates.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain theoretical and analytical tools to describe and critically reflect on modernity and its related processes
2. Trace genealogies of the concept of modernity, including sociology's role in defining the concept
3. Understand how debates about modernity have shaped contemporary social thought
4. Map approaches to theories of modernity
5. Improve writing and presentation skills

Teaching Method

Discussion

Evaluation Method

Attendance/participation, memos, leading discussion, final paper

Class Materials (Required)

This course will have required books/other materials.

The class will use a combination of readings on Canvas and books.

Class Notes

Sociology graduate students are given priority in registration.