Democracy, Terrorism and Violence

Subject 672-390 (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 contact hours per semester. Two 1-hour lectures per week for 10 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week for 10 weeks. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester
Total Time Commitment: 30 contact hours/week , 72 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Recommended: 12.5 points of level 1 & level 2 Politics and International Studies
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. Adrian Little
little@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject examines the key concepts in political theory and the ways in which they are employed in different political ideologies and movements. It identifies the main principles which are invoked to support the political structures of different societies. In so doing the subject analyses concepts such as freedom, equality and rights and their implications for the nature of democracy and the organisation of the state and civil society. It will also explain the different forms of political agency that exist in politics from the nation to the community and the individual. Lastly the subject examines case studies to demonstrate the difficulties that can arise in the practical enactment of political concepts and political theory more generally.
Objectives:
  • be able to identify different theories of justice and the ways in which they interpret concepts such as freedom, equality and rights;
  • be able to explain the implications of different political concepts for the nature of democracy and the organisation of the state and civil society;
  • be able to understand the implications for politics of pluralistic, multicultural societies;
  • be able to identify the changing nature of political agency by utilising concepts of the nation, the community and the individual;
  • be able to explain the links between political concepts and different political ideologies;
  • be able to apply theoretical debates to case studies in contemporary politics.
Assessment: A 2000-word essay 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (during the examination period).
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Recommended Texts: R. Bellamy and A. Mason (2002) Political Concepts, Manchester UP. G. Blakeley and V. Bryson (2002) Contemporary Political Concepts, Pluto. A. Finlayson (2003) Contemporary Political Theories, Edinburgh UP. R. Goodin and P. Pettit (1993) A Companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy, Blackwell. R. Goodin and P. Pettit (1997) Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Anthology, Blackwell. B. Goodwin (1997) Using Political Ideas, Wiley. T. Jones (2002)Modern Political Thinkers and Ideas, Routledge. W. Kymlicka (2000) Contemporary Political Philosophy, Clarendon. R. Plant (1991) Modern Political Thought, Blackwell. P. Stirk and D. Weigall (1995) An Introduction to Political Ideas, Pinter.
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:
  • demonstrate written communication skills in the construction and articulation of a fluent argument;
  • show the ability to conduct appropriate research into a topic through selecting and accessing relevant literature and resources;
  • be able to address a topic from a critical, analytical approach;
  • demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the appropriate literature and research;
  • show an awareness of the issues in the practical application of theoretical debates.
Notes:

Formerly available as 166-219 and 672-390. Students who have completed 166-219 or 672-390 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Available as a Breadth subject
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Political Science Major
Politics & International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Social Theory
Socio-legal Studies Major

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