Newcastle University

Aims

1.To introduce students to the varied ways in which social theory writings conceptualise social justice and citizenship
2.To develop students’ understanding of the relationship between social justice, inequality and citizenship.
3.To develop students’ ability to identify questions of social justice and citizenship in ‘real word’ social and political dilemmas and situations.

The module introduces students to contemporary debates around social justice and citizenship from a variety of social science perspectives. It does so by examining both theoretical writings and empirical examples that bring to the fore disputes over contested claims for social justice, equality and citizenship in the contemporary world. It will encompass a variety of analytical approaches which will be examined in the context of illustrative 'real world' themes and problems such as the classed, racial and gendered dimensions of social inequality, environmental injustice and conflict, development and underdevelopment, the challenges and opportunities of globalization and cosmopolitanism, the stuggle for human rights, racism, immigration, multiculturism, and social movements. This module is explicitly comparative: the case studies that will be discussed in the lectures and readings will be drawn not only from the UK but also from the Americas, Africa, Asia and the rest of Europe. It is also explicitly political: the issues we will be discussing - e.g. what are the causes of global warming or destruction of biodiversity be adjudicated, or why racism and other forms of social discrimination continue to be a structural component of contemporary society - are at the very centre of political debate. For all these reasons we expect that our lectures and seminars will greatly stimulate your thinking and contribute towards your intellectual development by introducing you to key social science theories and concepts on issues of social justice and citizenship.

Original Summary:

Outline Of Syllabus

Typically, key themes will include:
•       The links between social justice and citizenship
•       What is social justice? Global Justice; Projects for global justice: eradicating global poverty; Environmental justice; Democracy and Justice
•       What generates inequality? Class and the everyday experience of inequality; Racism, prejudice and inequality; Institutional racism; Gender and inequality; Gender and post-feminism; Environmental inequality and conflict; Environmental racism;
•       Human rights and humanitarian intervention
•       Hegemonic and counter-hegemonic globalization; Public sphere and civil society; Globalization and social movements; Global civil society and NGOs; Americanization
•       Multiculturalism; Cosmopolitanism;
•       Citizenship: theoretical perspectives and global trends; Immigration and the paradoxes of citizenship.

Indicative topics for the seminars
•       Eradicating global poverty
•       Can fair trade generate equality?
•       Social justice and environmental struggles (role playing)
•       The contours of inequality (debate)
•       Linking histories of inequality and racism
•       Exploring post-feminism in the media and popular culture
•       Globalization, citizenship and global climate change
•       Multiculturalism
•       Migration and citizenship

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The 22 lectures focus on different aspects of social justice and citizenship examining current trends, theories and practices. Lecture content ensures that the learning outcomes are met. The lectures balance between questions of theory and empirical exemplification, while the seminars will take particular topical examples in order to work through their relevance to questions of justice and citizenship (which will then be followed through with the assessment work). Eight 1-hour surgeries will be offered as dedicated office hours for this module so students can discuss academic issues with the teaching team.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

With the essay, students will explore one topic in some depth: read around the topic, draw from and organise sources to develop an argument. Students should be able to demonstrate how each topic is relevant to thinking about questions of justice and citizenship from a particular perspective. It will test both their information gathering skills and their ability to analytically engage with the conceptual focus of the module. The exam will assess students knowledge and understanding of some of the key sociological ideas imbedded in the module.

An alternative form of assessment will be set for exchange students from non-English speaking home institutions replacing the examination. The alternative form of assessment is set in accordance with the University Assessment tariff.