Course code Soci6012

Credit points 3

Theories of Postmodernism

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures12

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes12

Independent study hours57

Date of course confirmation30.09.2020

Responsible UnitInstitute of Social Sciences and Humanities

Course developer

author reserch

Dina Bite

Dr. sc. soc.

Prior knowledge

Soci5043, Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The course provides knowledge of theoretical framework of postmodernism; develops an in-depth understanding of the processes in contemporary society in the context of postmodern theories. Students expand their investigatory competence through the choosing theoretical and methodological approaches in the area of organisations and public administration.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: understanding of the concepts used in postmodern theories and the manifestations characteristic of modern society, understanding of the most important theoretical findings of postmodernism and their connection with classical approaches in sociology – independent works.
Professional skills: ability to use the theoretical knowledge of postmodernism in the study of modern society and organizations, ability to predict the processes in society based on the assessment of the current situation – practical works.
Soft skills: ability to responsibly plan and perform assigned tasks, interaction, collaboration and organizational skills – independent works, practical works.
Competence: ability to independently choose the appropriate theoretical and methodological framework to address issues of concern to society and to introduce an innovative vision in the operation of organizations – independent work.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Definitions and interpretations of modernism and postmodernism (2 hours)
2. Description of Z. Bauman's theory of postmodernism. "Light" modernity (2 hours)
3. Poststructuralism. Jacques Derrida's theory of 'deconstruction' (1 hour)
4. Characteristics of Michel Foucault and Jean Baudrillard ideas (2 hours)
5. J.F. Lyotard’s theory of science and knowledge in postmodern society (1 hour)
6. J. Ritzer's theory of McDonaldization and globalization. Rationality in postmodern society (2 hours)
7. Social theories of risk and uncertainty. Ulrich Beck's risk theory (1 hour)
8. Theoretical aspects of discourse analysis. Criticism of postmodernism, future perspectives (1 hour)

List of practical works and seminars (12 hours):
1. Discourse analysis - situation analysis (2 hours).
2. Consumer society in Latvia - discussion (1st hour).
3. Manifestations of the consumer society - film demonstration and discussion (2 hours).
4. Manifestations of postmodernism in Latvia - presentation of independent work (3 hours).
5. Manifestations of postmodern society in an organization - presentation of independent work (2 hours).
6. Society development perspectives - scenario analysis (2 hours).

Requirements for awarding credit points

2 independent works must be elaborated and presented. Active participation in practical works.

Acquisition of the study course in distance learning is organized in accordance with the order of the Vice-Rector for Studies “On the procedure of e-studies at LLU”, a study course acquisition schedule is created for each semester. Students acquire the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and inserted by the lecturer in the e-learning environment Moodle. Feedback on the acquisition of topics in lectures and seminars in distance learning is organized in the form of self-examination tests, discussion forums and individual assignments, as well as face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the schedule.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The studies of scientific literature. Elaboration and presentation of 2 independent works.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Test with a mark. Its criteria for assessment of learning outcomes consist of: independent works – 60%, practical works – 40%.

Compulsory reading

1. The Post-Modern Reader. C. Jencks C. (ed.). 2nd edition. Chichester: John Wiley&Sons Ltd, 2011. 352 p.
2. Dillon M. Introduction to Sociological Theory: Theorists, Concepts, and Their Applicability to the Twenty-First Century. 3rd edition. Chichester: John Wiley&Sons Ltd, 2020. 530 p.
3. Hatch M.J., Cunliffe A.L. Organization Theory: modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013. 351 p.
4. Dasgupta S., Kivisto P. Postmodernism in a Global Perspective. New Delhi: Sage Publications, 2014, 285 p. Grāmata pieejama datubāzē EBSCO ebook collection LLU tīklā un ārpus LLU tīkla ar LLU IS lietotājkontu https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fODE4NjI2X19BTg2?sid=679689dd-9bc4-4ead-9881-7c42b8e24c12@sessionmgr4008&vid=2&format=EB&lpid=lp_280&rid=18
5. Featherstone M. Consumer Culture and Postmodernism. 2nd ed. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications, 2007. 203 p. Grāmata pieejama datubāzē EBSCO ebook collection LLU tīklā un ārpus LLU tīkla ar LLU IS lietotājkontu
http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=268620&site=ehost-live&scope=site
6. Powell J.L. Baudrillard and Postmodernism. New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2012. 81 p. Grāmata pieejama datubāzē EBSCO ebook collection LLU tīklā un ārpus LLU tīkla ar LLU IS lietotājkontu https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fNjA2NDAxX19BTg2?sid=679689dd-9bc4-4ead-9881-7c42b8e24c12@sessionmgr4008&vid=1&format=EB&lpid=lp_iii&rid=5
7. Butler C. Postmodernism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: OUP Oxford, 2002. 142 p. Grāmata pieejama datubāzē EBSCO ebook collection LLU tīklā un ārpus LLU tīkla ar LLU IS lietotājkontu https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHh3d19fMTAwMjkyX19BTg2?sid=679689dd-9bc4-4ead-9881-7c42b8e24c12@sessionmgr4008&vid=1&format=EB&lpid=lp_135&rid=1
8. Taylor V.E., Winquist C.E. Encyclopedia of Postmodernism. London: Routledge, 2011. 480 p.

9. Lash S. Sociology of Postmodernism. New York: Routledge, 1990. 313 p.

Further reading

1. Davis M. Liquid Sociology: metaphor in Zygmunt Bauman`s Analysis of Modernity. New York: Routledge, 2013. 253 p. Grāmata pieejama datubāzē EBSCO ebook collection LLU tīklā un ārpus LLU tīkla ar LLU IS lietotājkontu
http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=645081&site=ehost-live&scope=site
2. Waters M. Modernity: Critical Concepts. Volume IV. After Modernity. London: Routledge, 2001. 491 p.
3. Fuko M. Seksualitātes vēsture. III Pašrūpe. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2003. 234 lpp.
4. Tisenkopfs T. Uzburtā vieta. Rīga: Neputns, 2007. 267 lpp.
5. Hābermāss J. Postnacionālā konstelācija un demokrātijas nākotne. Rīga: Zinātne, 2012. 111 lpp.

6. Ritzer G. The McDonaldization of Society 5. Losangelos, Calif.: Pine Forge Press, 2008. 300 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. European Journal of Social Theory. Pieejams: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/est
2. Contemporary Sociology: A Journal of Reviews Organizations. Pieejams: http://csx.sagepub.com/,
3. Current Sociology. Pieejams: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/csi
4. Rīgas Laiks. Pieejams: https://www.rigaslaiks.lv/

5. Kultūras un patstāvīgas domas interneta žurnāls Satori.lv. Pieejams: https://satori.lv/par-satori

Notes

Elective study course in the ESAF academic master's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".