Ideas of Utopia

Subject 161-052 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2008.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: At least one single-semester first-year philosophy subject or permission from the Head of School or the subject coordinator.
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

To be advised
Subject Overview:

This subject is a study of different utopian theories (that is theories which describe the ideal state or society) representing a variety of philosophical positions. The subject introduces the student to a number of different ideals of social perfection and to the difficulties which emerge in prescribing the pathway to lead us there. It explores the conception of human nature which various theories imply. It also examines the problems encountered by utopian theorists in attempting to reconcile conflicting aims such as freedom and equality. Students who complete the subject should be able to analyse the arguments offered in favour of different utopian visions. They should also appreciate the tensions and difficulties arising from both particular theories and, arguably, from utopian thought in general.

Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a second written assignment of 2000 words 47% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

  • develop the ability to analyse and criticize complex arguments;

  • develop the ability to communicate the results of their work in a clear and well-argued form;

  • develop the ability to bring philosophical skills to bear upon problems in other areas.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophyand Social Theory)

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