On completion of this module, students should: G ain an understanding of classic and contemporary theories of class; Develop knowledge of contemporary sociological debates and research on class inequalities; Develop an ability for critical analysis of key areas of research and everyday life; Develop an ability to evaluate empirical research and evidence of class within everyday social life.

(LO1) Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of theories of class analysis from Marxist, and Weberian traditions and contemporary Bourdieusian perspectives;

(LO2) Demonstrate detailed knowledge of contemporary sociological scholarship on how class is changing, disappearing or being reproduced within societies

(LO3) Be able to offer a critical reflection of key areas of research and social life from a class based perspective

(LO4) Be able to grasp the complexity of class intersections with various social issues and processes in everyday life

(LO5) Be able to deploy and critique empirical research and evidence of inequalities related to class

(S1) Organisational skills

(S2) Communication skills

This module begins by developing theoretical foundations of class analysis and knowledge of key historical, political and intellectual moments that have seemingly undermined its relevance before going on to explore and assess the continued relevance of class in current everyday life in austerity Britian.

Lectures 1-4
Introduction to the key theoretical debates in class analysis beginning with foundational theorists Marx, Weber, through to Bourdieu and contemporary 'Cultural Class Theorists' such as Savage, Skeggs and Reay and individualisation theories via Beck, Giddens and Bauman. It will present and consider the role of hegemony as a tool for reasserting and examining class today in late modern neoliberal times.

Lectures 5-11
Then each week will explore the contemporary relevance and manifestations of class in relation to substantive topics. These include: sexuality; space; work; art; health and culture and media. Students will explore t he current ways in which class is experienced via old and new inequalities and identity formation in everyday life.

Hybrid - asynchronous pre-recorded lectures; face to face synchronous seminars, safety permitting. 11 weekly ‘lectures’ to be delivered asynchronously online as shorter video instalments.

Fortnightly workshops to be delivered fortnightly in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 to allow for more interactive and in-depth analysis of the key topics and concepts introduced in the ‘lectures’. To comprise a range of pre-set tasks (e.g. readings, discussion boards, quizzes, videos etc.) and subsequent synchronous engagement.

Self-directed learning hours to increase to reflect changes above – to 129.
(NB. current discrepancy in current form in Summary of Learning and Teaching methods - Self-Directed Learning Hours: 132, whilst in table reads 126 hours).