The course introduces the sub-field of political sociology which deals with the many ways in which politics and society interact shaping each other.  Bringing together a variety of perspectives and ideas, its goal is to familiarize students with both the classic and more recent scholarship on the political dimension of social life. Classic topics such as: what is power; how is it organized; what are the elementary forms of political rule; state and society relations; civil society and social movements, among others, will be addressed. Particular emphasis will be given to the emergence of new forms of politics and new configurations of power in the global era.

Students are expected to actively participate in class and engage in weekly readings. Final grades will be determined according to participation, reading and final exam.