Contemporary Political Theory

This subject is not offered in 2014.

120 hours

Politics and International Studies at Level 1

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 examines the development of political theory in the last thirty years. It focuses on the emergence of key theoretical paradigms such as contemporary liberalism, communitarianism, multiculturalism, radical pluralism, post-structuralism and post-modernism and the ways in which these schools of thought have framed key conceptual debates on ideology, power and sovereignty. The subject maps this terrain and analyses it through examples such as immigration, violence, the role of religion in public life, markets and economic rationality, the environment and welfare reform. Contemporary political theory emerges as vibrant and dynamic and the subject demonstrates how theory is integral to a developed understanding of current political events.

On completion of this subject students should:

• be able to examine the major trends and approaches employed in contemporary political theory;
• be able to analyse key theoretical concepts through their application to contemporary political debates and controversies;
• be able to provide a critical approach to political theory by linking political science to theories developed in other disciplinary traditions.

1. A 2000-word take-home test (50%) due during semester;

2. A 2000 word research essay (50%) due on the first day of the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: 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 working day. 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 available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

C.McKinnon (2012) Issues in Political Theory, Oxford University Press, 2nd edition.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

On completion of this subject students should:

• Conceptualise theoretical problems and understand the judgements and arguments they engender;
• Analyse the development of major schools of thought in contemporary politics;
• Apply theoretical ideas to current political issues and debates;
• Communicate clearly in written and oral work showing a command of the language of political theory;
• Demonstrate research skills in accessing and selecting the appropriate literature and using it.

Available as a Breadth subject to non-Bachelor of Arts students.