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POLI2050

Political Theory and Social Change

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus Semester 1
Ourimbah Semester 1

Previously offered in 2010, 2008, 2006

This course examines the relationship between political ideas and social change by focusing on the twin questions: does political theory stimulate social change or does social transformation shape political thought? The context for the course will be the post-1968 theories of a number of political theorists and the discourses that emerged in the latter half of the twentieth century, especially those of post-Marxists and postmodernists over the relationship between ideas and social change, theory and practice, and emancipatory social movements and postindustrial society. Not available to students who have already passed or are currently enrolled in POLI3050.

Objectives 1.To introduce students to the central ideas of influential political theories about social change.
2.To enable students to have a clear familiarity with the methods of analysis used in such theories.
3.To develop an understanding of the complex (and often mutually reinforcing) relationships between ideas and social change
4.To provide an understanding of and practice in various communication skills.
Content This course examines the relationship between political ideas and social change by focusing on the twin questions: does political theory stimulate social change or does social transformation shape political thought? The context for the course will be the post-1968 theories of a number of political theorists and the discourses that emerged in the latter half of the twentieth century, especially those of post-Marxists and postmodernists over the relationship between ideas and social change, theory and practice, and emancipatory social movements and postindustrial society. Not available to students who have already passed or are currently enrolled in POLI3050.
Replacing Course(s) Not applicable
Transition Not applicable
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge 10 units in Politics at 1000 level or 30 units at 1000 level.
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Lecture
Tutorial
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments Written journal article/book chapter reviews and essays
Examination: Take Home Optional take-home examination
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 POLI2050