Political Thought

Subject 672-338 (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 is not offered in 2009.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty two contact hours per semester: two 1-hour lectures per week for the first 11 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning the third week of semester
Total Time Commitment: Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: At least one first-year single-semester philosophy subject or permission from the Head of School or 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

Contact

Assoc Prof Christopher Cordner

ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: This subject involves the critical study of classic political texts by Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes and Locke, with comparisons among them and with more recent writers. These texts contain many famous views and arguments, and raise various fundamental questions in political philosophy including those of the basis of political authority, the relationship between politics and morality, and the best form of government. The study of such classics should develop students' appreciation of historically important parts of Western thought, and contribute to a richer understanding of modern views and issues.
Objectives:
Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • acquire knowledge and understanding of the texts studied;
  • appreciate what is distinctive and of abiding interest in these texts;
  • be able to present accurate and well-expressed exposition of important issues and views arising in them;
  • be able to present informed and fair-minded philosophical evaluation of them.
Assessment: A written assignment of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester), a 2-hour closed-book written examination 47% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 3%.
Prescribed Texts:
A subject reader will be available from the bookshop at the start of semester.
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:

  • be able to recognise philosophically important similarities and differences between views and issues arising in different texts and contexts;

  • be able to apply the analytical skills developed in this subject to other philosophical and non-philosophical studies;

  • be able to apply the critical skills developed in this subject to other philosophical and non-philosophical studies.
Notes: Previously available as Classics of Political Thought. Students who have completed Classics of Political Thought are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy

Download PDF version.