pol3hmp hist of mod pol thought
HISTORY OF MODERN POLITICAL THOUGHT
POL3HMP
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject provides a conceptual history of Western political thought, from the 17th to the 20th century. Students will review how the theories of influential Western political philosophers (often also political economists) were informed by, and in turn informed, social struggle during this period. The focus is on the political and economic transformation of Western institutions from absolute monarchy to constitutional government, from mercantilism to free market capitalism, and from empire to post-colonialism. Students will also consider the theories and struggles that accompanied the rise and decline of communism, and the purported triumph of liberalism. The subject closes with a challenge. If philosophical, political and economic theories in the West have both emerged from, and informed, social struggle, then how should our contemporary institutions be understood? The subject should appeal to students interested in the crossovers between history, philosophy, politics, and economics. Note: As this is a winter intensive subject, students will need to attend the Melbourne Campus for 6 days in a 2-week period (from 01-12th July 2019).
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorMiriam Bankovsky
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
PrerequisitesN/A
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects POL2HMP
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Interpretive capacity - interpret and explain the ideas of important political theorists
- Activities:
- Online and class exercises, take-home exam, research essay, interactive and group activities
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
02. Historical understanding of political theory - place the theories of key Western political philosophers in contexts of political and economic struggle
- Activities:
- Online and class exercises, take-home exam, research essay, interactive and group activities
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
03. Argumentative ability - frame a coherent and well-argued position on the intersection of social struggle and political/economic ideas
- Activities:
- Research essay, take-home exam
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
04. Research capacity - using relevant primary and secondary source materials, reference and situate your own views in relation to this material.
- Activities:
- Research essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
05. Intellectual discrimination - evaluate the key concepts that are visible in the history of Western political and economic institutions
- Activities:
- Online and class exercises, take-home exam, research essay, interactive and group activities
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Writing(Writing)
- Speaking(Speaking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Teamwork(Teamwork)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2019, Winter semester, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorMiriam Bankovsky
Class requirements
Block ModeWeek: 27 - 28
Six 8.0 hours block mode per study period on weekdays during the day from week 27 to week 28 and delivered via blended.
"Note: Students will need to attend the Melbourne Campus for 6 days in a 2-week period (from 01-12th July 2019)."
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online and class exercises | A formative assessment. | 30 | 01, 02, 05 |
| Research essay (2000 words) | A summative assessment. | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |
| Take-home exam (equivalent to 1200 words) | A summative assessment. | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 05 |