(in Polish) Socjologia populizmu 1600-SZD-SPEC-SP-SOC
The seminar Sociology of Populism is devoted to the analysis of contemporary forms of populism as a complex social, cultural, and political phenomenon that goes beyond classical ideological definitions. Drawing on literature from cultural sociology, democratic theory, moral psychology, and digital media studies, the course examines the social sources of populist anger, resentment, and feelings of exclusion (Hochschild, Cramer, Vance), as well as the role of the middle classes and structural inequalities in shaping new forms of political mobilization (Costa, Nobre). Particular attention is paid to the relationship between populism and democracy and its crises (Mounk, Tocqueville), as well as to the significance of digital media and affective communication in political processes (Howard, Hussain, Philips, Brockway). The seminar approaches populism as a transnational phenomenon that is historically grounded yet deeply embedded in contemporary cultural and technological transformations.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge | The graduate knows and understands:
WG_01 - to the extent necessary for existing paradigms to be revised - a worldwide body of work, covering theoretical foundations as well as general and selected specific issues - relevant to a particular discipline
within the social sciences
WG_02 - the main development trends in the disciplines of the social sciences in which the education is provided
WG_03 - scientific research methodology in the field of the social sciences
WK_01 - fundamental dilemmas of modern civilisation from the perspective of the social sciences
Skills | The graduate is able to:
UK_05 - speaking a foreign language at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages using the professional terminology specific to the discipline within the social sciences, to the extent enabling participation in an international scientific and professional environment
Social competences | The graduate is ready to
KO_01 - fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators
KO_02 - fulfilling social obligations and taking actions in the public interest, in particular in initiating actions in the public interest
KO_03 - think and acting in an entrepreneurial manner
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the permitted number of explained absences: The seminar requires active and regular participation. Students are allowed up to two unexcused absences (each equivalent to a 45-minute session, within two teaching blocks of five 45-minute sessions each).
Principles for passing the classes and the subject (including resit session): The seminar will be assessed on the basis of regular attendance, evaluation of students’ participation, and their presentations.
Methods for the verification of learning outcomes: The assessment of learning outcomes is conducted through the evaluation of active participation in seminar discussions and oral presentations, which make it possible to assess students’ command of key concepts and their ability to critically engage with academic literature. In addition, students’ ability to apply theoretical frameworks to the analysis of selected empirical cases is taken into consideration.
Evaluation criteria: Assessment criteria include substantive preparation based on the assigned readings, the ability to engage in critical analysis and argumentation, and active, well-reasoned participation in seminar discussions.
Bibliography
Costa, S., Unequal and Divided: The Middle Classes in Contemporary Brazil, Mecila Working Paper nr 45, 2022, https://mecila.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/WP_45_Costa_Online.pdf.Cramer, K. J., The Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker, University of Chicago Press, Chicago 2016.Haidt, J., When and Why Nationalism Beats Globalism: And How Moral Psychology Can Help Explain and Reduce Tensions Between the Two, „The American Interest”, 10.07.2016, https://www.the-american-interest.com/2016/07/10/when-and-why-nationalism-beats-globalism/.Hochschild, A. R., Obcy we własnym kraju. Gniew i żal amerykańskiej prawicy, tłum. H. Pustuła-Lewicka, Krytyka Polityczna, Warszawa 2017.Howard, P. N., Hussain, M. M., Democracy’s Fourth Wave? Digital Media and the Arab Spring, Oxford University Press, New York 2013.Morgan, M., A Cultural Sociology of Populism, „International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society”, t. 35, nr 2, 2022, s. 179–199, DOI: 10.1007/s10767-020-09366-4.Mounk, Y., Lud przeciwko demokracji, tłum. K. Gucio, Kultura Liberalna, Warszawa 2019.Nobre, M., Limits of Democracy, Springer International Publishing, Cham 2022.Philips, W., Brockway, M., Shadow Gospel: How Anti-Liberal Demonology Possessed U.S. Religion, Media, and Politics, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA–London 2025.Tocqueville, A. de, O demokracji w Ameryce, t. II, tłum. M. Król, Wydawnictwo Aletheia, Warszawa [rok wydania].Vance, J. D., Elegia dla bidoków, tłum. T. Gałązka, Wydawnictwo Marginesy, Warszawa 2016.Wigura, K., Kuisz, J. (red.), The End of the Liberal Mind: Poland’s New Politics, Kultura Liberalna, Warszawa 2020.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: