Global Movements: Protest and the Planet

Subject 166-391 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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 a 1-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: 8.5 hours per week
Prerequisites: 12.5 points of Level 1 and Level 2 Politics and International Studies or Sociology
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

Prof Verity Burgmann

Contact

Prof. Verity Burgmann

vnb@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject explores ideologies and actions associated with contemporary social movements that operate on a global scale and have attracted international attention: indigenous, labour, green, animal rights, radical Islam, anti-trafficking, women’s rights, pro-democracy, human rights, children’s rights—and the Zapatistas and anti-globalisation movements that campaign across many of these categories. It examines the conflicts in which these movements are engaged and interrogates the extent to which their grievances are caused or inspired by globalisation. It considers their multiple methods of organising and mobilising—such as summit-hopping, strikes, hacktivism, disrupting whaling fleets and terrorism. It analyses the role of social movements in transforming politics and society and inquires whether the forces arrayed against them—notably globalisation, neo-liberalism, Christian fundamentalism, American hegemony and neo-conservatism—are also best understood as global movements.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject should...
  • have gained an understanding of the major approaches to the study of social movements and political and social change;
  • have an understanding of the development, motives, arguments and strategies of the principal social movements in the international arena;
  • be aware of the details and specific experiences of at least one significant global movement.
Assessment: Analysis/presentation of primary source material of 1000 words 25% during the semester, a one-hour class test of 1000 words 25% to be held towards the end of semester and a research essay of 2000 words 50% due during the examination period.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
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: Students who successfully complete this subject should
  • be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;
  • be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;
  • be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;
  • be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;
  • be able to particpate in team work through small group discussions.
Notes: Available as a Breadth subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: International Studies Major
Political Science Major
Politics & International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major

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