POLITICS IN OUR TIME
POL3HON
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject provides students with powerful insights into some of the most important concepts, ideas and events to have shaped the course of contemporary politics. Framed by the writings of some of the most influential thinkers of our age, students will engage with the complex ideological and philosophical underpinnings of concepts such as power, democracy, violence, totalitarianism, justice and multiculturalism. Student learning is achieved through close readings of key texts, a series of dynamic seminars and complementary online activities. Assessment is primarily based on a major essay and a take-home exam with additional online assessments. This 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.
SchoolSchool of Humanities & Social Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorNicholas Barry
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Completion of at least one second year POL subject. or approval of subject coordinator
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
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, 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)
Subject options
Select to view your study options…
Melbourne, 2018, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorNicholas Barry
Class requirements
Seminar
Week:
10
-
22
One 2.0 hours seminar per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via face-to-face.
Unscheduled Online Class
Week:
10
-
22
One 1.0 hours unscheduled online class per week
on weekdays
during the day
from week 10 to week 22
and delivered via online.
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/subject content and themes on a regular basis. Some activities may include peer discussion and review. | 15 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |