Social Theory and Political Analysis

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Total of 170 hours

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 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.

On completion of this subject students should:

• 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.

An oral presentation of a 400 word tutorial paper (10%) due mid-semester, an essay of 1600 words (30%) due mid-semester, an essay of 2000 words (50%) due in the examination period, and class participation and contribution (10%).

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 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 from the book shop at the start of semester.

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.