Course in Sociological Theory: Pierre Bourdieu’s Theory and

Practice

Course objectives and description

The goals of this course are twofold. First, to develop a critical appreciation of Pierre
Bourdieu’s Theory and Practice and, second, to explore how they may be utilised as
tools – lens - in understanding social realities. To attain these aims, the class is
organised around discussion of primary and secondary sources (see list of readings)
leading to an understanding of his sociological concepts and their interconnectivity.
The discussion progresses toward a construction of framework to critically evaluate
the social, cultural, political and economic elements of a society. As Bourdieu
relentlessly insist on applying theory to practice (Bourdieu and Wacquant 1992),
this course will interrogate (some) contemporary social realities using his key
concepts.

Assessment (Course Requirement)

 Expectation that assigned readings is critically read and understood is
important.
 Engagement in multiple group and class discussions (elaborating and critiquing)
is required.
 The final requirement of this course is a research paper utilizing Bourdieu’s
sociology (key concepts) in critically interrogating a particular social
phenomenon. The details and structure of the research will be discussed in
separate meeting.

Couse Outline
Part 1: Locating Pierre Bourdieu’s Sociology
Readings
a. Key Themes in Contemporary Social Theory in Anthony Elliott’s
Contemporary Social Theory: An Introduction (2014), Chapter 1
b. Social Theory and Education Research: An Introduction in Mark Murphy’s
Social Theory and Education Research (2013), pp. 3-15.

Part 2: Introducing Pierre Bourdieu and his concepts

Readings
a. Swartz, D 1997, Culture and Power: The Sociology of Pierre Bourdieu, The
University of Chicago Press, Ltd., London
b. Grenfell, M 2014, Pierre Bourdieu: Key Concepts, 2nd Edition, Routledge, New
York
c. Harker, R, Mahar, C & Wilkes, C 1990, An introduction to the work of Pierre
Bourdieu: the practice of theory, Macmillan, London.
d. McNay L 2001, 'Meditations on Pascalian Meditations', Economy and Society,
vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 139-154.
 e. Redillas, S 2017, Exploring Filipino Teachers’ Identity and Community
Engagements, Unpublished Dissertation, University of South Australia, Chapter
3: Probative value of Bourdieu’s sociology: a framework for identity
construction and reproduction

Part 3: Snippets from Primary Sources

a. Bourdieu, P & Wacquant, L 1992, An invitation to reflexive sociology, Polity
Press, Cambridge
b. Bourdieu, 1986, 'The forms of capital', in J Richardson (ed), Handbook of theory
and research for the sociology of education, Greenwood Press, New York, pp.
280-291.
c. Bourdieu 1977, Outline of a theory of practice, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge.
d. Bourdieu 1984, Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgment of Taste, trans. R
Nice, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
e. Bourdieu 1985, 'The social space and the genesis of groups', Theory and Society,
vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 723-744.

Part 4: Presentation of Research (Proposal and Final Research)

Hours
 48 - 54 hours lecture / discussion
 Same amount of time with research
 Rubrics for grading will be provided (within

Grading System
 With Prelims – 30%, Finals – 3%, Research – 40%
 Exams (Key concepts and applications)