PLT3070

Ideas and Power (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Professor James Walter

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton Second semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: Why do ideas matter? Because they give us the tools with which we make sense of the world. The way we think determines how we act. Politics is about persuading us to act in some ways rather than others, so how ideas are deployed is fundamental to politics. When we think politically, we are encouraged to accept certain patterns of power relations. Exploring political language uncovers the power relations that it assumes. What this means for contemporary (and future) Australian politics is explored through case studies.

Assessment: Tutorial report/ review-20% (500 words); Syndicate group: report on outcomes and reflective essay-50%.(2000 words); Exam-30%. (2 hours).

Contact Hours: 2 hours per week; one one hour lecture and one one hour tutorial weeks 1-7; one two hour seminar/workshop weeks 8-13.

Prerequisites: A first year Politics sequence.