DSOC 25A41 - Privilege: An Introduction
DSOC 25A41 · Fall semester 2026-2027
- Language of tuition
- English
- Course type
- Cours séminaire
- Number of hours
- 24
- Credits
- 5
Information
Description
This course is designed as an introduction to the sociological study of the concept of privilege in its multiple ramifications (white privilege, class privilege, male privilege…). By drawing on several social science research traditions, we will examine the contributions, limitations, and various challenges raised by the notion of privilege, especially in terms of social relations of domination at the intersection of gender, race, class, and age. The course's ultimate goal is to engage with the theoretical, methodological, and practical issues of contemporary sociology and to enrich students' thinking by providing them with valuable resources for their continued studies at Sciences Po.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites are required other than an interest in sociology, as well as in gender and racial issues.
Assessment
Participants in this seminar will be evaluated based on three elements :
- Oral presentation (45%) ;
- Reading report (on a book) (45%) ;
- Oral participation in class (discussing, reading, etc.) 10%
Readings
Main readings 5
-
Kimmel M. S., Ferber A. L. (Eds.), Privilege. A reader, Routledge, New-York, 2018.
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Manne K., Entitled : How Male Privilege Hurts Women, Crown Publishing Group, New York, 2020.
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McIntosh P., « White privilege. Unpacking the invisible knapsack », Peace and Freedom, July/August 1989.
-
Wilkerson I., Caste. The Origins of Our Discontents, Random House Publishing, New York, 2023.
-
Wolf N., The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty Are Used Against Women, William Morrow & Company, New York, 1991.
Further readings 5
-
Fortgang T., « Checking My Privilege », in Kimmel M. S., Ferber A. L. (Eds.), Privilege. A reader, Routledge, New-York, 2018.
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Gastfriend D., « Reflections on Privilege: An Open Letter to Tal Fortgang », in Kimmel M. S., Ferber A. L. (Eds.), Privilege. A reader, Routledge, New-York, 2018.
-
Saad L. S., Me and White Supremacy. How to Recognise Your Privilege, Combat Racism and Change the World, Quercus Editions, London, 2020.
-
Vance JD, Hillbilly Elegy. A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, Harper Paperbacks, New York, 2018.
-
Westover T., Educated. A Memoir, Random House, New York, 2018.
Teaching units
| Unit no. | Unit type | Teaching units | Teachers | Number of hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19840 | Cours séminaire | Privilege: An Introduction | Julia PARTOUCHE | 24 | 5 |
Teachers
- Julia PARTOUCHE
In the curricula
- Bachelor Exchange Programme, Seminars / Bachelor, Programme d'échange, séminaires - 26/27COLLÈGE UNIVERSITAIRE - CAMPUS PARIS
- Bachelor, semestre 3 : cours séminaires - 26/27COLLÈGE UNIVERSITAIRE - CAMPUS PARIS
Contacts and resources
- Contact
- DE MISCAULT Ségolène