Political Analysis: Ideas and Strategies

Subject POLS30005 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2012.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty contact hours per semester. 1 x two hour lecture and 1 x one hour tutorial per week. The lecture and tutorial programs are staggered and cover the 12 weeks of semester.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Politics and International Studies at Levels 1 & 2
Non Allowed Subjects: 166-301 Political Analysis: Ideas and Strategies
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/

Contact

mcrozier@unimelb.ed.au        
Subject Overview:

The study of political science covers a diversity of approaches to understanding politics and 'the political'. This subject considers this diversity, investigating a range of ways to think about political phenomena. It examines key ideas and concepts that underpin different understandings of politics and the framing of political analysis. The subject develops the analytical tools to critically interrogate these differing approaches, their core assumptions, their research agendas, and the strengths and limitations of each. The vitality of contemporary political analysis will be examined through a number of current debates and controversies. On completion of this subject students should have a critical understanding of the dynamism and diversity of contemporary political analysis.
Objectives:
  • To acquire a critical understanding of the diversity of approaches to political phenomena.
  • To develop basic analytical skills to evaluate diverse approaches to the study of politics.
Assessment:

An essay of 2000 words (50%) due mid-semester, and a 2-hour examination (50%) during the examination period.

This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 75% Tutorial attendance. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment or sit the final examination. Regular participation in tutorials is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
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 should:

  • Comprehend the main theoretical frameworks and critical concepts in politics.
  • Have acquired a critical understanding of the diversity of approaches to political phenomena.
  • Have developeed analytical skills to evaluate diverse approaches to the study of politics.
  • Critical thinking and analysis skills in relation to politics.
  • The ability to think in theoretical and applied terms about political issues.
  • Demonstrate written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate a capacity to undertake independent research in political science.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Political Science Major
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies
Politics and International Studies

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