Course Catalogue

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We tend to think of violence as an immediate physical force inflicted by one person on another, like a punch in the face. But what about indirect forms of harm that that may be equally painful, even lethal? Can paperwork or waiting times constitute acts of violence? This course is about the violence in or produced through bureaucratic processes and institutions. In it, we will explore the meanings of bureaucracy in light of the changing nature of the state, governance and economy in our times and the distinctive forms of violence it can engender. In most weeks we will consider specific settings to explore this including in criminal justice, disability and health, and education/universities. While there are important variations (including structural violence, administrative violence, institutional violence) all have in common invisible forms of domination that put people in harm's way. The course will explore the mundane and impersonal processes that can produce profound human suffering, as well as the forms of resistance that arise from them.

2 hour in person weekly seminars

In order to take this course, students need to have met the requirements for entry into the Sociology Honours Programme. This means achieving a grade of 'D' or better in Sociology 1A and 1B and a 'C' or better in Sociology 2A and 2B. Students also have to comply with the College of Social Science regulations for progression to Honours.

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Summative assessment 1 (30%): Prepare a plan (1,000 words maximum) for the final assignment of a policy briefing using headings provided by lecturers and a provisional topic agreed with lecturers

Summative assessment 2 (70%): Write a policy briefing (3,000 words maximum) on a topic agreed with lecturers

■ To introduce students to a range of theories about bureaucracy

■ To broaden student understanding of violence, exploring institutional settings and dimensions of this

■ To expose students to a range of empirical settings in which to apply this knowledge

■ To support and enable students' critical analysis of violence in bureaucratic settings

■ To develop confidence and skills in working with both academic and policy materials in evaluating questions of bureaucratic violence

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Efficiently compile and arrange high quality evidence and arguments about bureaucratic violence on a selected topic

■ Differentiate and discuss theories and concepts of bureaucratic violence

■ Delineate and evaluate the specific harms of bureaucratic forms of violence

■ Competently employ sociological and criminological perspectives and methods in the analysis of violence and bureaucracy

■ Effectively communicate knowledge acquired during the course with both academic and non-academic audiences in mind

■ Constructively engage with peers' work and successfully provide feedback that enhances their ability to produce convincing work.