Political sociology
Hyam Gold
8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should be able to identify the most influential theoretical claims regarding the social bases of political behaviour in advanced industrial societies; to critically assess these theoretical claims; to highlight the political effects of contemporary social change; and to identify where Australia and Australians stand in relation to these theories and social changes.
Synopsis The subject studies the following topics: founding influences - Marx, Weber, Tocqueville and the classical elitists; social movements; political participation and protest; class analysis today; gender differences; the distribution of power; the cultural and economic bases of democracy; changing values and politics; voting behaviour; public opinion; political socialisation; and contemporary theories of revolution.
Assessment second year Essay (3000 words): 40%
* Tutorial
presentation and participation: 10%
* Examination (3 hours): 50%
Assessment third year Essay (3000 words): 40%
* Tutorial
presentation and participation: 10%
* Examination (3 hours): 50%
*
Third-year students are required to answer a compulsory examination question
dealing with conceptual issues in order to demonstrate their greater analytical
grasp of the subject.
Prescribed texts
Dalton R J Citizen politics in Western democracies 2nd edn, Chatham House, 1996
McAllister I Political behaviour Longman Cheshire, 1992
| Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria
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