BSocSc Sociology

This course introduces students to the sociology of racism and ethnicity, using the UK experience as a case study. It explores the origins and development of racism within Britain, examining how processes of racialization have shaped and continue to shape the nature of British society. We look at the role ‘race’ has played in the production of inequalities and exclusions, as well as how it informs notions of national identity. We also explore how race interacts with class and gender. The course engages with contemporary debates and theoretical advances, particularly in relation to Islamophobia, intersectionality, differential racialisation, and institutional racism.  

• To provide an introduction to theorisations of racism and racialization

• To introduce students to the ways in which Racism and Ethnicity interact with other forms of social difference such as nation, gender, class, and religion.

• To encourage students to evaluate the role of racism in the structure of British society.

• To explore current theoretical debates around key issues and contemporary events.

On completion of the course students will be expected to:

• Have knowledge of a range of theoretical tools to understand contemporary debates about ’race’, ethnicity and difference.

• Understand the relationship between ’race’, ethnicity and other forms of social difference.

• To critically engage with key texts and theoretical ideas.

• Demonstrate an awareness of the role of ’racism’ in the structure of British society.

• Have a critical understanding of contemporary developments in the sociology of racism and ethnicity in the UK.

Race, Ethnicity and Racism  

Racialisation  

Anti-racism  

Black Feminism and Intersectionality  

Policing  

Education

Islamophobia  

The unit will be delivered through a weekly 2-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial.  

Key texts will, where appropriate, be made available on Canvas, as will links to a range of other useful resources such as videos and podcasts.  

Lectures will involve introductions to topic areas and concepts; discussions around core historical processes and theoretical questions; and close engagement with case studies for thinking around a topic.  

Tutorials will provide a space for discussion of lecture and reading materials. Students will be expected to be able to discuss the readings in tutorial and link them to the lecture materials. 

The course will utilise Canvas to deliver the modules core readings, lecture slides, any supplementary materials, and communication. 

Begin to understand the sociology of race, racism and racialisation

Develop critical reading skills in relation to contemporary empirical research

Synthesise, summarise and critically evaluate from a range of sources in order to produce assessed coursework

Use library and electronic sources and resources

Develop research-informed policy and campaign documents

Develop a critical approach to contemporary political debates

Evaluate competing interpretations on a contentious topic

Formative assessment:

Written or oral discussion task - 1 page bullet points or verbal delivery; 500 words or equivalent

Summative assessment:

100% Exam - 2h

All sociology courses include both formative feedback – which lets you know how you’re getting on and what you could do to improve – and summative feedback – which gives you a mark for your assessed work.

Anthias, F. and Yuval-Davis, N. (1992) Racialized Boundaries: Race, nation, gender, colour and class and the anti-racist struggle, London: Routledge.

Bhattacharyya, G. Elliott-Cooper, A., Balan, S., Nişancıoğlu, K. Koram, K., Gebrial, D., El-Enany, N., and de Noronha, L. (2021). Empire’s Endgame: Racism and the British State, London: Pluto Press

Back, L. and Solomos, J. (eds.) (2009) Theories of Race and Racism: A Reader, London: Routledge.

Garner, S. (2017) Racisms: An Introduction (Second Edition), London: Sage (highly recommended).

Gilroy, P. (1987) There Ain’t No Black in the Union Jack, London: Hutchinson.

Meer, N. (2014) Key Concepts in Race and Ethnicity, London: Sage.

Rattansi, A. (2007) Racism: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press.