Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Subject MULT10008 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

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


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: 3 contact hours per week , 5 additional hours per week. Total of 8 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None.
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 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

Prof Brian Galligan

Contact

Alicia Coram
corama@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject will introduce you to the ways in which the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics understand and respond to the challenges of organising a democratic society. We will consider issues such as justice, governments and markets in a way that will allow each discipline to present its distinctive approach. In the lectures and tutorials we will discuss topics including: political legitimacy, the nature and morality of the free market, the exercise of power, citizens' rights and happiness and global justice. Each topic will be explored in ways that will allow you to engage in analysis and evaluation of areas of major public debate about how society should be organised.
Objectives:
  • Have an understanding of how theoretical insights of the three disciplines can be applied to current political problems;
  • Understand the types of principles that should guide our thinking about social justice;
  • Understand the links between the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics;
  • Evaluate the role of the market in modern society;
  • Have an understanding of some of the main traditional and contemporary theories that the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics use to address these big questions.
Assessment: One essay of 800 words (20%) due early in semester. one essay of 1200 words (30%) due mid semester. and a two-hour examination (50%) in the examination period. Students must attend a minimum of nine tutorials, demonstrate familiarity with online resources, and participate in the Faculty of Arts online learning community in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.
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:
  • Develop skills in critical and theoretical thinking
  • Develop the ability to read texts analytically
  • Improved ability to argue for theoretical positions
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Interdisciplinary Foundation Subjects

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