Power, Governmentality and Economy (10 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Execution methods

Teaching profile: ONLINE 2.
Independent work. For instructions contact the teacher.

Accomplishment methods

Independent essay.

Content

The objectives of this course are to deepen and broaden the understanding of the forms of power, governance and economy and their connectedness with work, welfare and social relations. Through the course literature, students become familiar with the key perspectives and debates of this research field, and can further apply them to analyze social phenomena and societal changes. The course focuses on topics such as the capitalist social order, inequality, the welfare state, and changes in work and employment. Students delve into the questions such as: What are the key social challenges in the era of neoliberalism? Are there future alternatives to capitalism? In what kind of change are the relationships between social classes? How is the prevailing social order maintained, and how could it be changed?

Materials

Choose three of the following books:

Kantola, Anu & Kuusela, Hanna (2019) Huipputuloiset: Suomen rikkain promille. Vastapaino.

Helén, Ilpo (2016) Elämän politiikat: yhteiskuntatutkimus Foucault’n jälkeen. Tutkijaliitto.

McKenzie, Donald (2009) Material Markets: How Economic Agents Are Constructed. Oxford University Press. Standing, Guy (2011)

Hall, Stuart, Massey, Doreen & Rustin, Michael (2015) After Neoliberalism? The Kilburn Manifesto. Lawrence & Wishart. https://www.lwbooks.co.uk/soundings/kilburn-manifesto

Akerlof, G. A., & Kranton, R. E. (2010). Identity economics: How our identities shape our work, wages, and well-being (Course Book.). Princeton University Press. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ulapland-ebooks/detail.action?docID=485765  

Wallerstein, I., Collins, R., Mann, M., Derluguian, G., Calhoun, C., & Sivenius, K. (2014). Onko kapitalismilla tulevaisuutta? Gaudeamus ; Vastapaino.

Wallerstein, I., Mann, M., Derluguian, G., & Calhoun, C. (2013). Does capitalism have a future? Oxford University Press.

Björklund Larsen, Lotta (2019) A Fair Share of Tax. A Fiscal Anthropology of Contemporary Sweden. Palgrave Macmillan Cham. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-69772-7

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail (0): Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient (1): The author has identified some key concepts and aspects in the research field. Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context, or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Satisfactory (2): The author has identified the key concepts and aspects in the research field. The performance mainly repeats the content of the course or addresses them one-sidedly.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3): The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting skills to analyse and justify the content of the course. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Very good (4): The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. Performance manifest comprehension, insight, and skills to critically analyse and argue the content of the course.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.