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POLI1020

Introduction to Politics

10 Units 1000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus Semester 1
Ourimbah Semester 1

Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

This course will provide you with a broad overview of the study of politics at an introductory level. The course introduces you to the discipline of political science, its key concepts and approaches for the study of politics and political systems. Important political theories within the Western tradition such as liberalism, democracy, nationalism, Marxism, anarchism, feminism and so on are discussed. The course also introduces you to the idea of the state, the international system of states, and contemporary theories of international relations. The contemporary transformation of politics and political science is also examined, especially the challenges to the hegemony of the West and its worldview. Lectures will also be available on the Web.

Objectives On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
1. identify important concepts and methods of analysis within the discipline of politics
2. demonstrate an understanding of, and critically evaluate, political developments within society
3. demonstrate an enhanced theoretical understanding of the ideas and practices which inform politics
4. display familiarity with library resources and have developed skills to retrieve relevant information.
Content This course includes but is not limited to the following topics:
1. the idea of the ‘political’ and political science;
2. a range of political theories in the Western tradition such as liberalism, marxism, anarchism, nationalism and so on;
3. key political concepts such as the state, sovereignty, democracy, citizenship, globalisation,
4. global politics and the international systems of states,
5. theories of international relations,
6. the shift from modernist to postmodern ways of understanding political phenomena.
Replacing Course(s) Not applicable
Transition Not applicable
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Nil
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments tutorial paper and major essay
Examination: Formal
Contact Hours Lecture: for 2 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2013 Course Timetables for POLI1020