GENERAL
| SCHOOL | School of Economics and Political Science |
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| DEPARTMENT | Sociology |
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| Level of Study | Undergraduate |
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| COURSE CODE | 431037 |
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| COURSE TITLE | State and Society (YE) |
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| Independent Teaching Activities |
Weekly Teaching Hours |
CREDIT UNITS |
| Lectures - assignments |
3 |
6 |
| TOTAL |
3 |
6 |
| Course Type | General Knowledge |
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| Prerequisite Courses | No |
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| Teaching and Examination Language | Greek |
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| THE COURSE IS OFFERED TO ERASMUS STUDENTS | Yes (in the form of assignments in English) |
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| Course Webpage (URL) | https://eclass.uoa.gr/courses/SOC205/ |
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(2) LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- they understand the basic concepts and themes (state, social classes, social structure)
- distinguish the differences of the basic methodological approaches of the social sciences regarding the state and society
- understand and analyze the historicity and institutional materiality of the state-society relationship
- they analyze the way social correlations/antagonisms are inscribed in the state and the role of the state in social reproduction
- distinguish the specificity of the state-society relationship in modernity
- they understand and analyze the forms of the state and the internal distribution of power among state mechanisms
- they monitor the academic debate and literature regarding transformations
of the state
General Capabilities
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:
- they have a critical perception of the state-society relationship,
- understand the different facets of the state in the modern context of continuous and interrelated crises,
- analyze complex social issues with a critical approach,
- apply sociological analyses to the contemporary political and social environment,
- they exercise criticism and self-criticism,
- present their arguments publicly in a structured and coherent manner.
(3) COURSE CONTENT
The objective of the course is to approach the multidimensional relationship between the state and society. The course is divided into two main thematic units. Following the introduction regarding the historical development of the state in modernity, the first thematic unit analyzes the main theoretical approaches concerning the state-society relationship. Specifically, we initially discuss Weber's foundational approach to the role of the state, violence, and bureaucracy. Next, we analyze contemporary liberal theories regarding the role of the state, placing emphasis on classical and new institutionalism, as well as public choice theories and the new public management model. Subsequently, we discuss Marxist approaches to the role of the state through the works of Marx, Engels, and Lenin, as well as the Poulantzas-Miliband debate. The theoretical overview concludes with a discussion of autonomy theorists regarding the necessity or non-necessity of the state apparatus. The second thematic unit concerns core issues pertaining to the historical evolution of the state-society relationship that occupy the public sphere. Initially, the relationship between the state, nation, and nationalism is analyzed. Then, the discussion revolves around the welfare state and the different models of welfare capitalism, while focusing even more specifically on analyses surrounding citizenship, rights, and the concept of civic status (politeia). Finally, the second thematic unit concludes with an overview of the state-society relationship in the era of globalization and late modernity.
(4) TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS – EVALUATION
| DELIVERY METHOD | Face to face |
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| Information and Communication Technologies | PowerPoint presentations, organization of small groups for discussion of specific topics and student presentations, screening of related film material, support of the learning process through the e-class electronic platform
|
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| Activity |
Semester Workload |
| Lectures |
39 |
| Work |
39 |
| Standalone Study |
69 |
| Participation in exams |
3 |
| Course Summary |
150 |
Student Evaluation
| Process Description Evaluation | The evaluation process is conducted in the Greek language with a final examination on the entire curriculum and includes a written exam with essay questions.
The answer to the questions is considered complete when it is factually accurate, satisfactorily justified, and clearly formulated.
An important role in the evaluation of students is also played by active participation in the class, as well as in assignment presentations.
There is the option of writing optional assignments on a topic related to the course's themes, which students choose after consulting with the instructor. The assignments are accompanied by a presentation during classes.
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(5) RECOMMENDED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Suggested Bibliography
- Angelidis, M. and Gkiouras, Th. (2005) Theories of Politics and the State. Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel. Savalas Publications, Sakis Karagiorgas Foundation
- Lekkas, P. (2011) The Nationalist Ideology. Five Working Hypotheses in Historical Sociology. Athens: Papazisis Publications
- Markantonatou, M. (2009) The State and the Monopoly of Violence. Theories and Transformations. Papazisis Publications
- Serafentinidou, M. (2002). Introduction to Political Sociology. Athens: Gutenberg
- Skoulas, G. (1996) Social classes and the state. Forms of the state and social class practices in modern Europe. Papazisis Publications
- Dobratz, A.B., Waldner, K.L., and Buzzell, T. (2019). Power, Politics, and Society: An Introduction to Political Sociology. Athens: Kleidarithmos
- Esping-Andersen, G., The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism, Athens: Topos, 2014
- Gough, I. (2008) The Political Economy of the Welfare State. Savvalas Publications
- Hague, R. and Harrop, M. (2011) Comparative Government and Politics. Kritiki Editions
- Hall, S. and Gieben, B. (2010) Formations of Modernity: Understanding Modernity and its Transitions. Athens: Savvalas
- Hay, C., Lister, M. and Marsh, D. (eds.) (2011). The State: Theories and Issues. Savalas Publications
- Hall, S. and Gieben, B. (2003) (eds) Formations of Modernity: Economy, Society and Power, Culture. Athens: Savalas
- Heywood, A. (2014) Politics. Epikentro, 4th edition
- Kedourie, E. (2017) Nationalism. Athens: Papazisis Publishers
- Lagroye, J., Bastian, F., and Sawicki, F. (2008). Political Sociology. Typothito
- Migdal J. (2002) State in Society: Studying how States and Societies Transform and Constitute one Another, NY: Cambridge University Press
- Roskin, M.G., Cord, R.L., Medeiros, J.A. and Jones, W.S. (2008) Introduction to Political Science. Epikentro Publications, 10th edition
- Skocpol, Th. (2011) (Ed.). Historical Sociology. Vision and Method. Athens: Papazisis Publications
Related Scientific Journals
- The Review of Social Research
- Contemporary Issues
- International Political Sociology
