SOCIOL 736

Renegotiating Citizenship


Description

Changing economic, political and social realities in Western societies have challenged traditional notions of citizenship. This course critically examines emerging debates in citizenship studies that consider how shifting political ideologies, welfare state reform, increasing cultural diversity and globalisation impact on citizenship at both theoretical and policy levels.

The first section of the course introduces key concepts and traditional understandings of citizenship as a prelude to four sections each addressing a set of inter-related challenges facing citizenship today. The course will conclude with a brief consideration of the future of citizenship given the challenges we have explored.

The course aims to

  • Introduce students to concepts and theories central to citizenship studies, drawing upon literature from sociology, political science, social policy, political economy and migration studies
  • Demonstrate that "citizenship" has always been a contested concept, but one that is being renegotiated given modern political, economic, social and cultural challenges
  • Encourage students to engage in a rigorous examination of contemporary citizenship theories and issues using critical thinking skills

At the completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate

  • Knowledge and understanding about a wide range of contemporary citizenship issues and theories internationally, as evidenced in class discussions
  • The ability to work independently researching and writing assignments that explore a specific aspect of citizenship studies that fits with their own interests
  • The ability to present their research ideas orally, both informally (through ongoing class discussions) and formally (through a graded presentation to class)
  • The ability to professionally and constructively offer feedback on the work of their peers, both informally (in class and during presentations) and formally (though the second assessment task)

Availability 2025

Not taught in 2025

Lecturer(s)

Coordinator(s) Dr Louise Humpage

Points

SOCIOL 736: 30 points