Political Analysis: Ideas and Strategies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

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

This subject focuses on the ideas, methods and strategies which contribute to political analysis to outline a variety ways of thinking politically and engaging in political research. It examines the major ideas and concepts which underpin different understandings of the nature of politics and their relationship to different political practices and policy debates. This gives rise to a critical approach to contemporary politics in which we will challenge many of the dominant assumptions and practices which characterise understandings of the political. From this basis the subject goes on to examine new understandings of the spaces of politics to demonstrate the multiplicity of spheres of political debate beyond the formal realms of government and representation. In so doing the subject will demonstrate the vibrancy and complexity of contemporary politics and the fresh ideas and strategies that provide dynamism in political analysis.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Comprehend the main theoretical frameworks and critical concepts in politics;

• Understand methodologies and approaches to addressing contemporary political issues;

• Be able to apply these theories and methods in an integrated fashion to examine and explain issues in political science;

• Critical thinking and analysis skills in relation to politics;

• The ability to think in theoretical and applied terms about political issues;

• Demonstrate written communication skills;

• Demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent research in political science.