PLT2210

Political sociology: Australia in comparative perspective

Hyam Gold

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton and Caulfield

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 investigates the social bases of political behaviour in Australia and other advanced industrial countries with regard to key theorists, 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 Essay (3000 words): 40%
* Tutorial presentation and participation: 10%
* Examination (3 hours): 50%

Prescribed texts

Dalton R J Citizen politics in Western democracies 2nd edn, Chatham House, 1996
McAllister I Political behaviour Longman Cheshire, 1992