Corruption in Today's World

This subject is not offered in 2013.

120 hours

Entry into MC-IR Master of International Relations or 274-AB Master of Criminology.

None

Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level

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/

This subject focuses on definitions, types and theories of corruption, and on its political, social and economic effects in various parts of the world, particularly since the 1980s. The subject asks students to problematise the concept of corruption in terms of its varied meanings in different cultures, and to distinguish it from concepts such as organised crime, shadow economy, and political sleaze. One major issue considered is the extent to which corruption can delegitimise political systems. The subject will explore cultural diversity in interpretations of corruption, and the extent to which different cultural and systemic factors appear to exacerbate or reduce corruption. There will be a particular focus on the possible connections between corruption and neo-liberalism. On completion, students should have a sophisticated understanding of corruption in the contemporary world, what causes it, how it is measured, and how it is combated. Students should also be able to provide an advanced cost-benefit analysis of corruption in political, economic and social terms.

• be able to problematise the concept and study of corruption, especially in the comparative context;
• be able to evaluate each of the methods suggested in the literature for assessing the scale and nature of corruption in particular countries or regions;
• be able to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the major methods proposed in the literature for combating corruption;
• be able to outline and evaluate the debates on the possible benefits of corruption;
• be able to provide a sophisticated critique of the major contemporary theories of the causes of corruption.

2 x 500 word briefing papers, each worth 10% due throughout the semester, 1 x 1000 word briefing paper, worth 20% due during the semester, and a 3000 word essay worth 60% due at the end of semester.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 4 days. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment that is submitted after the due date and up to 10 working days late without an approved extension will be marked on a pass/fail basis only. Assessment that is submitted later than 10 working days will not be accepted or marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be provided.

• Political Corruption: Concepts and Contexts (2001) (A. Heidenheimer & M Johnston (eds))

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Research: through competent use of the library and other information sources (inc. online), and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research.
• Critical Thinking and Analysis: through recommended reading, briefing and essay writing, and seminar discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument.
• Thinking in Theoretical Terms: through seminar discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.
• Thinking Creatively: through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence and by critical analysis.
• Understanding of Social, Ethical and Cultural Context: through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.
• Communicating Knowledge Intelligibly and Economically: through briefing and essay writing, and seminar discussion.
• Written Communication: through briefing and essay preparation and writing.
• Oral Presentation: through seminar discussion and informal class presentations.
• Time Management and Planning: through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion.
• Group Work: through group discussions.

Formerly available as 166-418 and POLS40005. Students who have completed 166-418 or POLS40005 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.