Coloniality, Racism and Inequality (L3118A)
Coloniality, Racism and Inequality
Module L3118A
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module explores how ideas of ‘race’ and racism emerged in the context of coloniality and continue to be relevant today. How and why were categories such as the ‘Orient’ and the ‘Occident’ coined? How and why were humans classified into ‘different races’? How do these ascriptions operate ambiguously – by producing categorisations and sub-categorisations of belonging? How is the division of labour and property justified on their basis? How do current policies draw on and reproduce racism? And how have people resisted and mobilised against various forms of racist domination?
Approaching these questions from a de- and postcolonial perspective, the module draws our attention to the histories, geopolitics and institutional trajectories of race and racism. We start by tracing the making of ideas of Europe’s internal and external Others and the relevance of scientific racism during the Enlightenment. The module explores various dynamics of racialisation and the hierarchical relations they have produced during colonialism.
We then examine – via several contemporary case studies – how these histories continue to determine whose lives matter today. Specifically, we explore how colonial legacies and ideas of difference shape our understanding and practice of Higher Education, citizenship, human rights, borders, but also leisure, travel and home. A decolonial lens also enables us to make sense of current developments such as the humanitarian crisis at Europe’s borders or the ‘War on Terror’.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of different sociological perspectives on global social inequalities and consider their relative merits
Apply the contributions of different strands of de- and postcolonial thought to a variety of country case studies across and beyond Europe
Analyse and structure material from recent academic research, public debates, and, where relevant, personal experience, to illustrate the conceptual approaches covered in the module
Conduct independent research and critically appraise diverse sources of knowledge
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 1 Assessment Week 1 Mon 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 11111011111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Aleksandra Lewicki
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/439386
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