Slums and the Subaltern: Theory, Economy and Representation investigates what it means to be named “subaltern” and why this figure is assumed to be devoid of subjectivity. With little recognition, decipherable identity or social agency how do theories of the subaltern render the subaltern visible, audible, political? That is, a subject? How does a slum […]
This course investigates the relation between postcolonial theory and social and political thought. It examines theories of empire, decolonization, the nation, race, class, gender, resistance, postcolonial identity and others, highlighting the role of social and political thought and illustrating how postcolonial theory has expanded its ambit.
Provides a broad introduction to the interdisciplinary study of modern social and political thought. Through critical readings and analyses of primary texts, students become familiar with the rise of the liberal tradition, focusing on critiques, defences and developments of its conceptions of the modern world.
This course investigates conceptions of what it is to be a human being in the context of social, cultural and political relations. Major themes include the relationships between authority and critique, autonomy and democracy and art and politics.
The concept "ideology" plays a central and unique role in how we understand ourselves. We will examine ideas and structures of power in relation to identity, society, democracy, freedom, knowledge, art, popular culture, and our vision of the future.
This course explores the implications of living in a "post-fact world" where objective facts are less influential in shaping social relations. Students will discover that "post-facts" are embedded in many of our social activities and examine causes behind the rise of "post-facts"; particularly how pervasive social irrationalism and anti-intellectualism have contributed to the emergence of […]
As the critical study of appearances, experiences and interpretations, phenomenology provides both method and theory for social scientific inquiry. Edmund Husserl, Martin Heidegger and Maurice Merleau-Ponty are pillars of phenomenology who offer complementary strategies for comparing and contrasting divergent life-worlds at everyday and societal levels. Topics include bracketing, the clearing, and the visible and invisible.
This course examines how tourism has developed socially and spatially in the context of globalization and vast disparities of wealth and power. It takes an interdisciplinary approach combining theories from anthropology, tourism studies, international development, postcolonial studies, communication and cultural studies. Some topics covered include: voluntourism, enclave tourism, backpacking, dark tourism, ecotourism and sex tourism.
The purpose of the course is to enable students to integrate and apply what they have learned throughout the program in the context of particular problems and contemporary issues in social and political thought.
This course is one of two capstone options for students pursuing an Honours degree in the Interdisciplinary Social Science Program. Building on the critical skills, theoretical grounding and understanding of interdisciplinary research approaches established in early stages of the program, students have an opportunity here to develop their own research projects relating to a relevant […]