SCY3480

Political Sociology ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: TBA

Offered:
Caulfield Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit examines the development of social and political thought since the breakdown of modern social theory and its assumptions about progress, identity and social change. It considers competing perspectives on the future of social theory in a world characterised by individualisation, uncertainty and the loss of traditional forms of political life. It explores new approaches to power and agency, subjectivities, domination, ideology and social transformation. Topics include psychoanalytic social theory, Foucault, second generation Critical Theory (Habermas/Honneth) and the struggles for recognition, and postmodern responses to globalisation, risk and postindustrialisation.

Objectives: At the completion of this subject students should be able to: Understand at a developed (SCY2480) or advanced (SCY3480) level the key tenets and conditions of emergence of new social theories; Demonstrate a competent understanding of the historical development of contemporary social and political thought and the impact of global political, cultural and economic changes on this development; Demonstrate a capacity to critically analyse conflicting views, arguments and evidence on current theories of power, ideology, agency and social transformation; Demonstrate transferable information management, communication and interpersonal skills such as listening, reading, oral communication, research, analysis, synthesis, argument formation, and related computer skills, as well as a range of self-management skills (seminar preparation, study habits, essay preparation).

Assessment: Research report (2500 words): 50% + Examination (2 hours): 50% + Third-year students will be required to show a greater depth of critical analysis of arguments and issues than second-year students.

Contact Hours: One x 2 hour seminar per week

Prerequisites: First-year sequence in Sociology or permission

Prohibitions: SCY2480