Politics

Politics from Below: Cooperation, Conflict and Resistance

Module code: L2112
Level 6
30 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

This module investigates state-society relations in a comparative manner and focuses on the relation between public institutions and civil society.

In this module, we’ll explore:

how public policy has changed with the shift from traditional government to modern governance
the rise of organized civil society groups
the spread of radical protests and resistance against political elites
the role of civil society and social movements in promoting democracy in the public sphere
new ways people participate and engage in politics at national, international, and global levels
key contemporary case studies that bring these ideas to life.

Critically assess how state-society relations in different countries impact on forms of participation and engagement
Analyze current debates on civil society and social movements comparatively
Analyse a variety of theoretical approaches with the scope of applying these to current examples and case studies
Assess the complex nature of radical forms of contestation and resistance in a transnational and global perspective
Critically engage with different understandings of civil society activism in relation to the concept of active citizenship
Develop independent research skills and critical thinking