Powers and governance: systems, structures and protagonists

Objectives

a) Develop a critical perspective on the history of power, governance systems, and forms of resistance over the long term.
b) Acquire the skills to analyze the history of power and its manifestations in political, social, economic, and cultural contexts.
c) Explore key themes related to power, with a particular focus on the intersections of political, social, and cultural dynamics.
d) Incorporate a comparative approach to understanding the history of power and its exercise across different periods and contexts.
e) Gain insight into diverse historiographical perspectives on the history of power, governance, and resistance.
f) Become familiar with leading historians and their works on power, governance, and resistance.
g) Demonstrate the ability to effectively present learning outcomes, both orally and in writing.

General characterization

Code

02117163

Credits

10.0

Responsible teacher

Isabel Cristina Gomes de Almeida

Hours

Weekly - 3

Total - 280

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

N/A

Bibliography

BERGER, L.; ZELDITCH, Jr., M. - Status, Power and Legitimacy, Strategies and Theories. Routledge, 2018.


BAILEY, F. G. (2001) – Stratagems and Spoils: a social anthropology of politics. Routledge, 2001.


GRAEBER, D.; WENGROW, D. - O Princípio de Tudo: uma Nova História da Humanidade. Bertrand, 2022


KUMAR, K. - Visões Imperiais. Cinco Impérios que Mudaram o Mundo. Ed. 70, 2017.


BRISCH, N. - Religion and Power- Divine Kingship in Ancient World and Beyond. Univ. Chivago, 2012.

Teaching method

In each session, students should engage in discussions on the main themes and questions of the course.

Evaluation method

The evaluation is made in 4 stages - each evaluated between 0 (zero) and 20 (twenty) points) - which encompasses 3 oral presentations and, finally, the submission of the written paper. Each oral presentation, which has a 10-minute limit per student, has a ponderance of 15% on the final grade, with the written final paper having a ponderance of 55%.

Subject matter

I Potentates and systems of power


1.1 Local, regional, and supra-regional configurations and dynamics


1.2 Processes of centralization and institutionalization of powers


1.3 Informal networks and “shadow governments”


II Conflicts, negotiations, and alliances


2.1 Legitimization of war


2.2 Diplomatic agents and practices


2.3 Familiar and patronage networks


III Representations and discourses of (counter-) power


3.1 Propaganda and legitimization of the ruler


3.2 Resistance, dissensions, and emancipatory practices


 

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: