POL205 Political Ideas (8)

In this subject, students are introduced to political philosophy: the study of politics from the perspective of philosophy. Political philosophy involves ethical or "normative" analysis of political structures. Students will think about what sorts of political institutions we "ought" to have, focusing on arguments drawn from a range of influential thinkers from ancient Greece to 19th century Europe. These disparate visions of the "just society" will each be examined with reference to their contribution to the modern political world and the cultural context in which they were conceived.

Subject Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: POL205. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and employ, the key concepts of political philosophy
  • be able to demonstrate a familiarity with the underlying themes and issues that fuel contemporary political discourse
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of how historical, sociological and economic facts influence the development of political ideas and institutions
  • be able to trace the expansion of political concepts, as they have developed over the centuries, locating the peculiar and contested origins of ideas we often take for granted
  • have developed their skills in formulating and communicating ethical arguments

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

- The classical tradition: Plato, Aristotle, Stoics, Cicero - Medieval faith: Augustine, Ockham, Aquinas - Renaissance: Marsilio, Machiavelli - Reformation: Luther, Calvin, post and counter Reformations - English Civil War and Revolution: Harrington, Levellers, Hobbes, Locke - Enlightenment: Montesquieu, Voltaire, Encyclopaedia, Hume, Rousseau - Liberalism: French and English utilitarianism, J.S. Mill - Socialism: Comte, Marx

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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