Contemporary Political Theory

Subject 166-020 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty contact hours per semester. A 2-hour lecture per week for 10 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours/week , 5.5 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Recommended: Level 1 subject Introduction to Political Ideas
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Adrian Little

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Adrian Little
little@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject examines the development of political theory in the last thirty years. It focuses on the emergence of key theoretical paradigms such as contemporary liberalism, communitarianism, multiculturalism, radical pluralism, post-structuralism and post-modernism and the ways in which these schools of thought have framed key conceptual debates on ideology, power and sovereignty. The subject maps this terrain and analyses it through examples such as immigration, violence, the role of religion in public life, markets and economic rationality, the environment and welfare reform. Contemporary political theory emerges as vibrant and dynamic and the subject demonstrates how theory is integral to a developed understanding of current political events.
Objectives:
  • have an appreciation of the range of political ideas that have motivated and expressed the needs of large groups of people since Athenian democracy;
  • be familiar with the development and principal arguments of the major schools of political thought in the past 250 years;
  • have improved their critical and analytical skills in the area of political theory and their ability to express their ideas in written form.
Assessment: An essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Conceptualise theoretical problems and understand the judgements and arguments they engender
  • Analyse the development of major schools of thought in contemporary politics
  • Apply theoretical ideas to current political issues and debates
  • Communicate clearly in written and oral work showing a command of the language of political theory
  • Demonstrate research skills in accessing and selecting the appropriate literature and using it
Notes:

Formerly available as 166-020 'Modern Political Thought'. Students who have completed 166-020 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Available as a Breadth subject
Related Course(s): Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Diploma in Arts (Political Science)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy Major
Political Science Major
Politics & International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies

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