Justice, Equality and Human Rights

Subject PHIL20012 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

Standard

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: An average of 8.5 hours each 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: No specific background knowledge is required for this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: This subject was previously taught as Political Theory (161-013/672-339) students who have completed ither 161-013 or 672-339 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. is
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Ms Rekha Nath

Contact

Associate Professor Christopher Cordner

ccordner@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject investigates three core concepts in contemporary political philosophy: justice, equality, and human rights. What is a just society like? Does it require people to be equal? In what respects? How is the value of equality to be balanced against other values? Can human rights be given an adequate philosophical foundation? If they can, what does respect for human right require of governments and citizens?

Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • understand competing contemporary theories of the nature of justice, equality and human rights.
  • be able to explain these theories clearly.
  • be able to present informed and fair-minded philosophical evaluations 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:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • develop skills in critical thinking and analysis.
  • have improved their ability to think in theoretical terms.
  • develop skills in written communication.
Links to further information: http://www.philosophy.unimelb.edu.au/
Notes: This subject satisfies the third-year breadth requirement for third-year students in the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine when taken in 2010 only.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy Major
Philosophy and Social Theory
Social Theory Major

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