50139 Political Theory
UTS: Communication: Cultural StudiesCredit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks
Handbook description
Political theory concerns ideas about how human societies and states can be organised or disorganised through political activity. This subject explores the major traditions in Western thought, which may be drawn from anarchism, liberalism, conservatism, socialism, fascism and feminism. It also considers non-Western systems such as Confucianism and Islam. Particular theories and theorists are used to consider major themes and debates in the political realm. These may be drawn from topics such as democracy, justice, the state, and liberty. Students undertake analyses of real-world states and politics, in Western and Non-Western societies.
Subject objectives/outcomes
On completion of this subject students are expected to be able to:
- possess a broad understanding of political theory as a central element in political change and conflict
- understand the methodologies of political theorists, their assumptions, and the logic of their arguments
- understand the cultural framework of political theory, and the tension between universal and particular claims about power in the social realm
- have the capacity to apply different theoretical approaches to the analysis of specific societies in political crisis
- be skilled in communicating their ideas on complex political issues in a sophisticated and rational form.
Contribution to graduate profile
This subject will contribute to the development of:
- theoretical knowledge in social inquiry
- research and analytical skills in politics
- critical analytical skills in time and space, in cross-cultural and global contexts
- sensitivity to the multiple dimensions of social difference
- critical understanding of the political and public policy processes
- ethical behaviour and practice, especially in research into political events
- a reflective appreciation of the role of theory in social understanding, and a commitment to lifelong learning and new perspectives on political life.
Teaching and learning strategies
This class is taught on a lecture and tutorial basis. It includes lectures, tutorial discussions based on in-class student presentations, online discussions sustaining collaborative investigations and debates, and group problem solving.
Content
Political theory concerns the consideration of how human societies can be organised, and the insights about societies that can be drawn from such debates. This subject explores the major traditions in western thought, which may be drawn from anarchism, liberalism, conservatism, socialism, fascism, and feminism,. It will also consider non-western systems such as Confucianism and Islam. Particular theories and theorists will be used to consider major themes in the political realm. These may be drawn from topics such as democracy, justice, the state, and liberty. Students will undertake analyses of real-world states and politics, in western and non-western societies.
- Political theory as political practice
- Traditions in political thought
- Exploring a theme: theorists and theory
- Theorising political crises in time and space
- Political practice as political theory.
Assessment
Assessment item 1: Two seminar presentations and one seminar facilitation report
| Objective(s): | a, b, c, d |
| Weighting: | 3 x 10% |
| Length: | Word Limit is 350 words |
| Task: | Tutorials are devoted to discussion of the lecture and readings. You are required to attend the lectures and do the weekly readings. |
| Assessment criteria: |
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Assessment item 2: Media diary
| Objective(s): | a, c, e |
| Weighting: | 30% |
| Length: | Word Limit is 1,500 words |
| Task: | Select 3 media articles (these can be about either national or international political events, circumstances, issues, processes) that raise issues covered in the unit, in other words, the ways in which any of the traditions in political theory inform understanding of the events, circumstances, issues, etc, described in each article or, the ways in which those events, etc, are themselves examples of political theory in practice. Similarly, you might choose an article because it raises a question of political values, e.g. democracy, justice, freedom, etc. Drawing on the political theories covered in weeks 2-7, contextualise and analyse your selected examples of current events. |
| Assessment criteria: |
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Assessment item 3: Analytical case study essay
| Objective(s): | a, b, c, d, e |
| Weighting: | 40% |
| Length: | Word Limit is 3,000 words |
| Task: | An extended written analysis based on set research questions (to be posted on UTS Online in Week 6) relating to issues treated in the lectures and tutorials. |
| Assessment criteria: |
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Minimum requirements
Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g. illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.
Required text(s)
All essential readings for the subject can be found on the Library's catalogue under e-readings: www.lib.uts.edu.au/search/ereadings
The Guide to Further Reading contained in this unit outline also lists readings held at the City campus library on closed reserve. You can access these readings by going to 'electronic reserve' on the library's website, click on 'shortcut to closed reserve by subject' and type in 'political theory'. All the materials that are held on closed reserve for the subject are listed under 'Political Theory — 50139'.
Recommended text(s)
Additional reading (particularly in preparation for assessments).
To identify books on your topic of interests use the 'keyword' search facility on the library's catalogue and search on appropriate terms (e.g. 'liberalism', 'fascism', 'state formation' etc). To identify journal articles on your topic of interest search the database Expanded Academic Index. For specifically Australian material search the database APAIS.
Other useful online sources in political theory include: the home page of the 'Foundations of Political Theory' section of the American Political Science Association (www.political-theory.org). The home page of the American Society for Political and Legal Philosophy (www.political-theory.org/asplp.html) is also quite useful.
Indicative references
(1990) Social contract theory, Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1990
(1997) Twentieth Century Political Theory: A Reader, New York: Routledge.
Ball, Terence (1994) Reappraising Political Theory Revisionist Studies in the History of Political Thought, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Ball, Terence (1998) Transforming political discourse: political theory and critical conceptual history, Oxford, England: Basil Blackwell.
Beetham, David (1991) The legitimation of power, Basingstoke: Macmillan Education.
Buchli, Victor (2000) An archaeology of socialism, Oxford: Berg, 2000.
Buck-Morss, Susan (2003) Thinking past terror: Islamism and critical theory on the left, London; New York: Verso.
Connolly, W. (1984) (ed.) Legitimacy and the State, Oxford: Blackwell, New York: Harper & Row.
Carnoy, Martin (1984) The State and Political Theory, Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.
Carter, April (1971) The Political Theory of Anarchism, New York: Harper and Row.
Dagger, Richard (1997) Civic Virtues Rights, Citizenship, and Republican Liberalism, New York: Oxford University Press.
Dallmayr, Fred (1984) Polis and Praxis: Exercises in Contemporary Political Theory, Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.
DeLue, Steven (1997) Political Thinking, Political Theory, and Civil Society, Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Demant, Peter R. (2006) Islam vs. Islamism: the Dilemma of the Muslim World, Westport Conn. London: Praeger.
Dryzek, J., Honig, B. Philips, A. (eds.) (2006).The Oxford Handbook of Political Theory, Oxford: Oxford University Press,
Eatwell, Roger. (2004) Fascism and the Extreme Right, London: Routledge.
Farrelly, Colin (2004.) Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory, London: Sage.
Freeden, Michael (1998) Ideologies and Political Theory: a Conceptual Approach, Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Fukuyama, Francis. (2006) America at the Crossroads: Democracy, Power, and the Neoconservative Legacy, New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Galston, William (2002) Liberal Pluralism the Implications of Value Pluralism for Political Theory and Practice, Cambridge, UK; New York: Cambridge University Press.
Gauss, G. and Kukuthas, C. (eds.) (2004) Handbook of Political Theory, London: Sage.
Gilbert, Margaret (2006) A Theory of Political Obligation Membership, Commitment, and the Bonds of Society, Oxford: Oxford University Press,
Goodin, Robert (1998) Reasons for welfare: the political theory of the welfare state, Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.
Gupta, Dipak (2007) Understanding Terrorism And Political Violence: Theory And Policy, London: Routledge.
Heywood, A. (2004) Political Theory: An Introduction, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Heywood, A. (2004) What Is Political Theory, London; Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications.
Ivison, D. and Patton, P. (2000) (eds.) Political Theory And The Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Cambridge; Oakleigh: Cambridge University Press,
Jones, Peter (1994) Rights, Basingstoke: Macmillan.
Kymlicka, Will. (2002) Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction, Oxford: New York: Oxford University Press.
Lindley, Richard (1986) Autonomy, Basingstoke: Macmillan.
Llobera, Joseph R (2003) Making Of Totalitarian Thought, New York: Berg.
Locke, John (2003) Two Treatises Of Government And A Letter Concerning Toleration 1632-1704, New Haven, Conn. And London: Yale University Press, c2003
Matthew Miskelly and Jaime Noce (2002) (eds.) Political Theories For Students, Detroit, Mich: Gale Group.
Meyer, Frank S. (1992) Freedom, Tradition, Conservatism, St Leonard's NSW CIS Press.
Michael S. Neiberg. (2006) (ed.) Fascism, Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006
Milward, Bob (2000) Marxian Political Economy: Theory, History And Contemporary Relevance, Basingstoke: Macmillan.
Nasr, Seyyed Vali Reza (2006) The Shia Revival: How Conflicts Within Islam Will Shape The Future, New York: Norton.
Neumann, Franz, (1986) The Rule Of Law: Political Theory And The Legal System In Modern Society, Dover, N.H.: Berg.
O'Kane, Rosemary H. T. (2004) Paths To Democracy: Revolution And Totalitarianism, London; New York: Routledge, 2004.
O'Sullivan, N. (2000) Political Theory In Transition London; New York: Routledge.
Pilbeam, Bruce (2003) Conservatism in crisis? Anglo-American conservative ideology after the Cold War, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
Renton, Dave (1991) Fascism: Theory And Practice, London; Sterling, Va.: Pluto Press.
Shapiro, Ian. (2003) The State Of Democratic Theory, Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press.
Sparks, C. (2003) Political Theory in Context, London: Routledge.
Sunstein, Cass R (2001) Designing Democracy: What Constitutions Do, New York: Oxford University Press.
Battin, T. and Maddox, G. (1996) (eds.) Socialism in contemporary Australia, South Melbourne, Addison Wesley Longman.
Vincent, A. (2004) The Nature of Political Theory, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
