POLITICS IN OUR TIME
POL3HON
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject examines some of the most important concepts, ideas and events to have shaped the course of contemporary politics. Framed by the writings of a range of influential modern thinkers, students will engage with the complex political and philosophical underpinnings of concepts such as freedom of speech, democracy, populism, race, justice, and inequality. The subject examines normative debates over these concepts and explores their political significance. Particular importance is placed on student learning through a close reading of key texts and dynamic class discussion. The subject is strongly recommended for students wishing to proceed to Politics honours or postgraduate studies, but it will also appeal to students with a strong interest in political ideas and contemporary politics.
School: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Nicholas Barry
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 3 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: This subject is a third year core and capstone for the Politics major.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Prescribed readings will be provided to students electronically. | Prescribed | Prescribed readings will be provided to students electronically. | Prescribed readings will be provided to students electronically. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Apply a social science perspective to local and global issues
- Activities:
- Seminar discussions, examinations, online activities and essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
- Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)
02. Compare and contrast political authorities on central issues in politics and international relations.
- Activities:
- Seminar discussions, examinations, online activities and essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,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)
03. Critical examination of seminal texts.
- Activities:
- Seminar discussions, examinations, online activities and essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,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, examinations, online activities and essay
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Cultural Literacy)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
- Personal and Professional Skills(Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Melbourne, 2019, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicholas Barry
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
TutorialWeek: 10 - 22
One 1.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research essay (2,500 words) | This is a summative piece of assessment that tests students' analytical, research, critical and communication skills, and how well they have engaged with the core themes and ideas of the subject. | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |
| 1 x take-home exam (approx 1600 words) | This assessment task develops students' understanding of key themes/concepts in this course and prepares them for more critical, problem-based tasks in the final assessment. | 35 | 02, 01, 03, 04 |
| Online exercises (equivalent to 400 words) | These online exercises aim to keep students engaged with reading material and subject content. | 15 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |