Social Theory and Political Analysis

Subject SOTH20003 (2012)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2012.

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

This subject is not offered in 2012.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5 hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week
Total Time Commitment: An average of 8.5 hours each week.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: Students who have completed 'Social Theory and Political Analysis' under the codes 136-076 or 672-321 are not permitted to enrol in this subject.
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

Associate Professor John Rundell

johnfr@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject involves the study of theory and empirical research in social and political relations, culture and ideology, and human subjectivity and action. Students who complete this subject should possess an awareness of the ways in which social theory can provide a critical perspective on standard approaches to the study of politics, and knowledge of a repertoire of social theory concepts and approaches which can be drawn upon to analyse political processes.
Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • have knowledge of the major ideas and theories used to analyse social, cultural and political relations.
  • be able to apply this knowledge to assist in an analysis of political processes.
  • have experience of thinking systematically about difficult intellectual problems of an abstract nature.
  • have experience with methods of critical analysis and argument employed in the social theoretical traditions, leading to improved general reasoning and analytical skills.
Assessment:

An oral presentation of a 400 word tutorial paper 10%, an essay of 1600 words 30% (due mid-semester), a second essay of 2000 words 50% (due during the examination period), class participation and contribution 10%. This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 75% tutorial attendance. Regular participation in tutorials is required. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per 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 from the book shop 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:

  • develop skills in written and oral communication.

  • be able to conduct independent research.

  • be able to make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument.

  • be able to form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.
Links to further information: http://www.pasi.unimelb.edu.au/social-theory/
Notes: This subject is offered in alternate years.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Anthropology and Social Theory
Anthropology and Social Theory
Anthropology and Social Theory
History and Philosophy of Science Major
Social Theory
Social Theory Major
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology
Sociology Major

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