PLM5440 - Global Soul: Consumers, Citizens and Rebels

Leader: Paul Muldoon

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2007 (Day)
Malaysia Second semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

As the consumer ethos invades every area of our lives, identity is increasingly related less to the place one inhabits and more to what one owns or is capable of attaining. These developments have implications, not only for our political life as citizens, but for the Western tradition of thinking about politics itself. To the extent that political thought and action has traditionally been based around an embedded notion of citizenship, it is in serious need of re-examination. This unit explores how changes in modes of consumption in post-industrial societies have altered our notions of citizenship and produced a new 'politics of rebellion' outside the conventional political arena.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Understand different theoretical approaches to consumerism.
2. Connect debates over consumerism to notions of democracy and citizenship.
3. Develop a deeper understanding of globalisation and its discontents.
4. Be able to make connections across different disciplines (particularly politics, sociology and cultural studies).
5. Display advanced oral communication skills.
6. Undertake independent research and present the results in a coherent written format.
7. Critically reflect at an advanced level both orally and in writing on their prior knowledge and understanding of politics and political concepts.

Assessment

Oral Presentation (1,000 words equivalent): 10%
Research Essay (5,000 words): 50%
Take-home Exam (2 x 1,500 word essays): 40%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week