300190 Globalization as Transformation of Space and Mobility (S) (WiSe 2011/2012)

This reading course intends to provide relevant knowledge of most important sociological theories of spatiality. It aims to discuss the following questions: a) In which way do theories conceptualize the relation between the social and the spatial (material) dimensions? b) In which manner did spatial semantics change after globalization debate? c) Which methodological implications do these theories stimulate within contemporary social sciences?
This reading course provides insights into classic, as well as the current theories of spatiality. It is structurally divided into three parts. The first session focuses on classical approaches to spatiality (Michel Foucault, Henry Lefebvre etc). The subsequent session takes a closer look at leading contemporary approaches (Edward Soja, Neil Brenner, Bruno Latour). The final meetings provide insights into current spatiality theories, which conceptualize spatiality in the context of geographic and virtual mobility (Manuel Castells, John Urry etc.).

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen, notwendige Vorkenntnisse

Interest in theories of spatiality and mobility. The general knowledge of globalization and transnationalization approaches is an advantage.