Multiple Modernities

Subject 166-420 (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: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Completion of an undergraduate major in sociology, political science, international studies, anthropology, Asian studies or related fields with prior permission of 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

Dr Jui-shan Chang
Subject Overview:

This fourth-year seminar evaluates modernity in terms of an emerging paradigm known as "multiple modernities". The conventional paradigm of modernity tends to equate modernisation to Westernisation with a consequential convergence of socio-economic development and cultures among industrial societies. While this 'convergence' argument has been challenged by the later arguments regarding 'clash of civilisations' or 'alternative modernity', ie., the existence of modernities other than the Western modernity, all of them seemly still assume that the Western modernity is the dominant or 'mainstream' form of modernity, and non-Western societies may converge, clash or deviate from this mainstream modernity under modernisation and globalisation. The multiple modernities paradigm uses comparative civilisational analysis to identify varieties of modernities (even within the 'Western' modernity) and different elements, modes and pathways to becoming modern that are grounded in specific civilisations and long standing historical experiences.

Assessment: A 1000 word research proposal 30% (due in the first half of the semester) and a 4000 word research paper 70% (due at the end of the semester). The following hurdle requirements also apply: attending at least ten (out of twelve) seminars; at least one oral presentation and leading discussion in one seminar; one oral presentation of the main argument and insights developed from student's empirical research project.
Prescribed Texts: Prescribed Texts:A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

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

  • demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills, through research and written communication;

  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing;

  • display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research and of our place as researchers.
Related Course(s): Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Political Science)
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Sociology)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Political Science)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Sociology)

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