POLITICS IN OUR TIME
POL3HON
2017
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject is recommended for students wishing to proceed to an honours degree in politics, but it is not restricted to such students. It covers some of the most important concepts and events to have shaped the course of contemporary politics through the writings of key political thinkers and social critics. In completing the subject, students will gain an insight into the underpinnings of power, democracy, violence, totalitarianism, justice and recognition. They will also become familiar with the ideas of such influential thinkers as Michel Foucault, Juergen Habermas, Hannah Arendt, Michael Walzer and Edward Said.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Gwenda Tavan
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Completion of at least one second year POL subject.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | The Age of Extremes | Recommended | Hobsbawm, 2014 | Abacus |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Apply a social science perspective to local and global issues
- Activities:
- Seminar discussions, presentations, essays
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
02. Compare and contrast political authorities on central issues in politics and international relations.
- Activities:
- Seminar discussions, presentations, essays.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
03. Critical examination of seminal texts.
- Activities:
- Seminar discussions, presentations, essays.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
04. Trace the role of ideas in the evolution of global political development.
- Activities:
- Seminar discussions, presentations, essays.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Melbourne, 2017, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Gwenda Tavan
Class requirements
SeminarWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class activity (equivalent to 200 words) | 5 | 04, 03, 01 | |
| Research essay (2,500 words) | 60 | 03, 01, 02, 04 | |
| Take-home exam (1,500 words) | 35 | 02, 01, 03, 04 |