Political Analysis: Ideas and Strategies

Subject 166-301 (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 has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - 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: One 2-hour lecture and one 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Completion of 50 points of Political Science subjects.
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

Dr Jenny Lewis & Dr Adrian Little
Subject Overview:

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.

Assessment: An essay of 2000 words worth 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2-hour examination worth 50% (at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookstore.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • 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.

Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Diploma in Arts (Political Science)
Graduate Certificate in Arts (Political Science)
Graduate Diploma in Arts (Political Science)

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