Political Philosophy

Subject 672-339 (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: 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: 3 contact hours/week, 5.5 additional hours/week. 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

Coordinator

Mr Andrew Alexandra

Contact

Andrew Alexandra

a.alexandra@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject focuses on recent developments in political philosophy. Specific topics to be discussed may include: distributive justice; patriotism and preference for co-national; international justice; humanitarian intervention; liberalism; democratic institutions in a globalizing world.
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% (held 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 Contemporary Political Philosophy. Students who have completed Contemporary Political Philosophy are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy
Philosophy Major
Social Theory Major

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