Self, Culture and Society 2 (91)

Course Code

SOSC 12500 91

Course Description

The “Self, Culture, and Society” sequence introduces students to a broad range of social scientific theories and methodologies that deepen their understanding of basic problems of cultural, social, and historical existence. The sequence starts with the conceptual foundations of political economy and theories of capitalism and meaning in modern society. In the second course of the sequence, students consider the cultural and social constitution of the self, foregrounding the exploration of sexuality, gender, and race and tackle questions about the construction of self and society. The works of Durkheim, Freud, de Beauvoir, Fanon, and others inform investigation of symbolic representation, the strength of social forces, the unconscious, culture, ethics and violence, sexuality, gender, and race. Classes are conducted as discussion seminars, rather than lectures, focused on the texts assigned. The focus will be on understanding complex arguments regarding the nature of modern social life.

Course Criteria

Instructor(s)

Natacha Nsabimana

¹ UChicago students can self-register.

² Visiting students and pre-college students apply through the same application.