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Advanced Seminar SPE I Sociology of Love and Capitalism / The Paradoxes of Capitalism and Emotions - SPE-Vertiefungsseminar I: - Sociology of Love and Capitalism / The Paradoxes of Capitalism and Emotions

Knowledge

"Sociology of Love and Capitalism" is an advanced undergraduate course in the field of Sociology designed to delve into the intricate roles that powerful emotions play within our social fabric. For this course, a substantial background in Sociology is recommended.

Description

For economists capitalism is the organization of economic exchange in a marketplace regulated by supply and demand in which actors plan their moves rationally. For traditional sociologists it is a social organization which disentangles the economy from normative systems and creates a vast process of rationalization of the economy and of ordinary action. But capitalism has proved to be, and curiously so, a fantastic machine to produce, control, and commodify emotions. The process of commodification of emotions is pervasive and endemic to the history and sociology of capitalism. This course will examine the ways in which emotions were made into intrinsic dimensions of the workplace and of the consumer sphere. It examines this process by studying the paradoxes produced by this historical juncture of emotions and capitalism. Five main paradoxes are examined: 1) The emergence of capitalism was accompanied by the institutionalization of self-interest; yet it also marked the emergence of a private sphere saturated with emotions. 2) The leisure industries and the sciences of marketing targeted the social actor as a hedonic subject, thus commodifying desire and subjectivity. This has in turn intensified the romantic bond. 3) Capitalism has produced a new form of commodity, the emodity, or emotional commodity. Emodities have in turn made authenticity into the chief moral vector for the development of the self. 4) Happiness psychologists and economists have joined forces to change policy and introduce ‘happiness indexes’ to measure the state of the nation. Happiness – once thought to be a radical demand of the Enlightenment – is now joining forces with neo-liberalism to transform notions of selfhood and privatize risk. 5) Choice is the key legitimating motive of capitalism; yet choice increasingly undermines the very notion of rational subjectivity which was supposed to have been at the heart of the rational subject.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand the Theoretical Foundations: Grasp the core theories and concepts related to the sociology of emotions, particularly shame, guilt, and hatred. 2. Analyze Emotional Dynamics: Critically examine how these emotions influence individual behavior and societal interactions, including their roles in perpetuating or resolving conflicts. 3. Explore Case Studies: Investigate historical and contemporary case studies to see how emotions shape collective memory and identity. 4. Apply Sociological Theories: Utilize sociological theories to analyze real-world scenarios, enhancing your ability to apply academic insights to everyday social issues.

E-learning

Ilias will be used to share the literature of the syllabus as well as the students presentations.

First additional field

This course will employ a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and case study analyses. Students will engage with a variety of texts, participate in debates, and develop critical essays that apply sociological theories to contemporary issues.

Second additional field

Students will be evaluated based on participation, oral presentations, and a final project that involves a comprehensive analysis of a specific emotional dynamic in a real-world context. As part of the final project, students will be asked to examine one case study and explore it with data they have found. Regular feedback sessions will ensure students are on track and supported in their academic journey. Please note that there are a few factors we should keep in mind to ensure a great seminar with interesting input and discussions for all: Firstly, class participation will be mandatory since otherwise it won’t be possible to keep all participants on the same "input level" and thereby interesting discussions (the heart of the course) will not evolve. Secondly, we request you read the literature of the Syllabus prior to the start of class since it will be the foundation of our learning together and will ensure that you can get the most out of the seminar. All literature will be sent out in advance to ensure you have enough time for the preparation. Additionally, all literature for the course can be found over Ilias, through the usual ways of the internet, as well as through our Uni licenses – all books can be found in the semester reserved collection for this course in the library.

Next events

No current events available!

1/4 Block course Mo, 27.01.2025 10:00 Uhr 18:00 Uhr 2.01 | Forum
2/4 Block course Tu, 28.01.2025 10:00 Uhr 18:00 Uhr 2.01 | Forum
3/4 Block course We, 29.01.2025 10:00 Uhr 18:00 Uhr 2.01 | Forum
4/4 Block course Th, 30.01.2025 10:00 Uhr 18:00 Uhr 2.01 | Forum
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Course details

Offer code 114531
Version 1 SS 25
Credits / ECTS 9
WSH 3
Semester 6
Frequence Every term

Lecturers

lecturer image
Prof. Eva Illouz
Lecturer