Political Analysis: Ideas and Strategies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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 of 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 national and international political practices and policy debates. It introduces students to analytical strategies to critically assess the constraints and possibilities entailed in various forms of political analysis. The subject is particularly concerned with evaluating the analytical efficacy of prevailing approaches to current political realities, from the local to the global. On completion of this subject students should have an understanding of the diversity and complexity of contemporary 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.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• 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.

Formerly available as 166-301. Students who have completed 166-301 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Not available as a Breadth subject.