PLM4340

Fringe Politics: Marginal Voices or Global Challenges

(ART)

Dr Pete Lentini

12 points + 2 hours per week + Second semester + Clayton + Prohibition: PLT4349

Synopsis: This unit conducts a comparative examination of extra-parliamentary and extra-legal political movements ranging from religious fundamentalists, hate groups, and direct action protesters and related bodies of thought and forms of political action. The unit addresses the following questions: What is political extremism? What conditions have contributed to the emergence of extra-parliamentary and extra-legal political activities? Who defines political extremism? To what extent have 'extreme' ideas entered into 'mainstream' political discourse, debates and policies? How have the processes of globalisation affected these groups' modes of operations?

Assessment: Essay (6000 words): 50% + Seen exam (3 hours): 50%