Anthropology

Democracy, Dictators, Resistance and Revolt

Module code: L6071
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Essay

On this module, you’ll examine the relationships that shape politics and power within colonial and post-colonial contexts.

You’ll explore key concepts such as:

• nation, state and bureaucracy
• the roles of leadership, populism and resistance in diverse societies.

You’ll use critical readings and case studies to analyse how historical legacies shape contemporary governance and social movements. From the dynamics of revolt to the subtleties of everyday resistance, you’ll examine how different communities navigate the complexities of power.

This module explores stories of resilience and transformation in a world where politics is not just about institutions, but also about the lived experiences of individuals and groups. You’ll equip yourself with the analytical tools to understand and engage with important political issues.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate critical understanding of key themes in analyses of power
• Show knowledge of how concepts such as hegemony, ideology, resistance, discourse and governance have been used by anthropologists
• Ability to apply key concepts to new ethnographic cases