Contemporary Political Theory

Subject POLS20006 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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. 1 x two hour lecture and 1 x one hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Politics and International Studies at Level 1
Non Allowed Subjects: 166-020 Contemporary Political Theory
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

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:
  • to examine the major trends and approaches employed in contemporary political theory
  • to analyse key theoretical concepts through their application to contemporary political debates and controversies
  • to provide a critical approach to political theory by linking political science to theories developed in other disciplinary traditions
Assessment:

An essay of 2000 words (50%) due mid-semester, and a 2-hour exam (50%) during the examination period.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment or sit the final examination. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
Recommended Texts:

C.McKinnon (2008) Issues in Political Theory, Oxford University Press.
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: Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology and Social Theory
Anthropology and Social Theory
Political Science Major
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies

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