PLT3040

Raging against the machine: the politics of rock and global identities

Peter Lentini

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

Objectives Upon completing this subject students should be able to understand and assess critically the political uses of rock music in differing global contexts; develop a comparative understanding of the role of states, elites, transnational corporations and marginalised communities in relation to cultural politics and the limits of political expression; appreciate the importance and limitations of identity politics in the post-Cold War era; develop an understanding of the political importance of various forms of musical expression; develop a broader understanding of politics which expands upon the notion that politics is not solely confined to political parties, key politicians and institutions of state, but exists in artistic expression and within sub-state level communities; develop skills to read various forms of text critically (audio-visual materials, scholarly literature, internet sources) and incorporate them in their assessed work; continue the development of critical skills and an ability to communicate effectively; specifically to: develop a topic for investigation; familiarise themselves with a wide range of sources; recognise and be able to present a logically ordered argument. Upon completing this subject third-year students should be able to demonstrate they can conduct original research into a topic of their own choice.

Synopsis As for PLT2040.

Assessment One 3000-word essay: 50%
* A take-home exam (equivalent of 3000 words): 50%
* The instructor will assign third-year students essays and projects demanding higher conceptual and analytical standards than second-year students and he will assess them based on how well they demonstrate evidence of the aforementioned criteria.