Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Subject 100-188 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - 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: Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours per week , 5 additional hours per week. Total of 8 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
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 Jeremy Moss

Contact

Jeremy Moss
jmoss@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject will introduce you to the ways in which the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics understand and respond to the challenges of organising a democratic society. We will consider issues such as justice, governments and markets in a way that will allow each discipline to present its distinctive approach. The lectures and tutorials will discuss five broad topics: political legitimacy, the market, the exercise of power, citizens’ rights and happiness and global justice. Each topic will be explored in ways that will allow you to engage in analysis and evaluation of areas of major public debate about how society should be organised.
Objectives:
  • Have an understanding of how theoretical insights of the three disciplines can be applied to current political problems;
  • Understand the types of principles that should guide our thinking about social justice;
  • Understand the links between the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics;
  • Evaluate the role of the market in modern society;
  • Have an understanding of some of the main traditional and contemporary theories that philosophy, politics and economics disciplines use to address these big questions.
Assessment: One essay of 800 words (20%) due early in semester; one essay of 1200 words (30%) due mid semester; and a two-hour examination (50%) in the examination period. Students must attend a minimum of nine tutorials, demonstrate familiarity with online resources, and participate in the Faculty of Arts online learning community in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.
Prescribed Texts: None
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:
  • Develop skills in critical and theoretical thinking
  • Develop the ability to read texts analytically
  • Improve their ability to argue for theoretical positions
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Interdisciplinary Foundation Subjects

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