HPL2507 - Politics and Society

Leader: Dr Keith Wilson

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2007 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to major political philosophers such as Hobbes, Locke, Mill, Marx and Burke. These studies will be linked to theories developed in support of autocratic, totalitarian, republican and democratic institutions, processes of politics and government. The main approaches to modern political analysis: pluralism, elitism and various forms of structuralism will be examined. The radical critics of modern society and politics, including feminists will be introduced. These will include Nietzsche, Foucault, Pateman, and Habermas.

Objectives

On successful completion of this Unit students are expected to be able to:

1. comment competently on major political theorists; 2. comment competently on the major debates in which contemporary thinkers are engaged in regarding politics, power, freedom, justice and citizenship;
2. employ a range of analytical skills and conceptual frameworks;
3. write well argued and competently written essays for assessment.

Assessment

Essay (2500 words) (on-campus include including oral presentation): 60%
Examination (2 hours): 40%

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial)

Prerequisites

HPL1503 and HPL1504 or equivalents

Prohibitions

GSC2507, HPL3507