What is Social Theory
Social Theory analyses the ways in which social life is organized and, sometimes, transformed. It questions the everyday assumptions which shape our lives and reflects in a systematic manner on such issues as the division of power, the nature of identity, forms of agency and rationality and our experiences as pre-modern, modern or postmodern subjects.
Social Theory critically assesses the adequacy of the descriptions, analyses and critiques which are already prevalent in the social science literature and responds, at the level of theory, to the inadequacies it uncovers. In this manner it serves as a field of critical inquiry which is interdisciplinary in character and which addresses the various social and human sciences.
The interdisciplinary setting of Social Theory provides a context where the theoretical and substantive issues raised in such disciplines as Sociology, History, Philosophy, Women's Studies, Political Science, Anthropology and Cultural Studies can be further explored and critically reflected upon. This makes Social Theory an appropriate choice for students with a critical interest in any of the social or human sciences.
Students may elect to take individual subjects from the full list of Social Theory offerings or they may elect to begin a major in Social Theory. A major comprises seven subjects at second/third year level. These must include specified core subjects.
The Ashworth Program organizes its teaching around four major themes or concerns of contemporary Social Theory. These are:
- contemporary critical theories
- psychoanalysis, social theory and identities
- social theory and the analysis of social and political relations
- critical theories, science and technologies
The social theory program offers the opportunity for students to explore these themes either as a major or minor sequence with courses taken from a range of core and periphery subjects. In the major sequence students concentrate on the heritage of critical theorizing. As part of its program, the Centre also offers courses that can be taken as part of the Interschool Programme in Sociology. As not all courses are on offer each year, please check the Handbook.
Enquiries about the Ashworth Program in Social Theory:
Room 147 and 146B, Old Arts Building (ground floor)
T: 8344 7287 or 8344 6668