Corruption in Today's World

Subject 166-418 (2009)

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

Credit Points:

12.50

Level:

4 (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: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week , 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.

Prerequisites:

Admission to the Postgraduate Certificate/ Diploma in Political Science or International Politics, or Fourth-year Honours in Political Science or International Studies, or the Master of International Politics, Master of Criminology, or the Master of Social Policy.

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

 CoordinatorProf Leslie Templeman Holmes ContactProf. Leslie Holmes 
leslieth@unimelb.edu.au 

Subject Overview:	This subject focuses on definitions, types and theories of corruption, and on its political, social and economic effects in various parts of the world, particularly since the 1980s. The subject asks students to problematise the concept of corruption in terms of its varied meanings in different cultures, and to distinguish it from concepts such as organised crime, shadow economy, and political sleaze. One major issue considered is the extent to which corruption can delegitimise political systems. The subject will explore cultural diversity in interpretations of corruption, and the extent to which different cultural and systemic factors appear to exacerbate or reduce corruption. There will be a particular focus on the possible connections between corruption and neo-liberalism. On completion, students should have a sophisticated understanding of corruption in the contemporary world, what causes it, how it is measured, and how it is combated. Students should also be able to provide an advanced cost-benefit analysis of corruption in political, economic and social terms.
Objectives:	be able to problematise the concept and study of corruption, especially in the comparative context; be able to evaluate each of the methods suggested in the literature for assessing the scale and nature of corruption in particular countries or regions; be able to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the major methods proposed in the literature for combating corruption; be able to outline and evaluate the debates on the possible benefits of corruption; be able to provide a sophisticated critique of the major contemporary theories of the causes of corruption.
Assessment:	An essay of 5000 words 100% (due at the end of semester). In addition, students will be required to introduce one aspect of a given seminar's theme and provide a one-page summary of their talk to the other members of the group at the start of their presentation.
Prescribed Texts:	A subject reader will be provided. Political Corruption: Concepts and Contexts (2001) (A. Heidenheimer & M Johnston (eds))
Breadth Options:	This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	be able to apply research skills and critical methods; be able to develop persuasive arguments; able to communicate oral and written arguments and ideas effectively.
Notes:	Formerly available as 166-418. Students who have completed 166-418 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s):	Master of Criminology (CWT) Master of International Politics Master of International Studies Postgraduate Certificate in International Studies Postgraduate Diploma in International Studies
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations:	Criminology Criminology International Politics International Politics International Studies Political Science Political Science Political Science Socio-Legal studies Socio-legal Studies

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