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PAIS508 Modern Political Thinkers

Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Intensive School(s) None
Supervised Exam There is no UNE Supervised Examination.
Pre-requisites candidature in a postgraduate award
Co-requisites None
Restrictions PAIS308 or PAIS408 or POLS208 or POLS308 or POLS408
Notes

offered in odd numbered years
Combined Units PAIS308 - Modern Political Thinkers
Coordinator(s) Anthony Lynch (alynch@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

This unit explores the ideas of the key modern thinkers in neo-liberalism, neo-conservatism, post-modernism, communitarianism, and new socialisms in their historical and political context.
Materials No text required
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Assignment 1 50% 3500
Assessment Notes
Essay
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1,2,4,5,6,7
Assignment 2 50% 3500
Assessment Notes
Essay
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4 GA: 1,2,4,5,6,7

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. comprehend and critically analyse complex arguments from contemporary political philosophy;
  2. develop both an understanding of the ideas of the seminal Western political thinkers studied and a general sharpening of their critical reasoning powers;
  3. develop higher-level academic skills of the social sciences through the appreciation of theories, concepts and approaches in political science; and
  4. enhance their abilities in research and written analysis at a level appropriate to postgraduate students.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students will deepen their knowledge of advanced concepts and skills underpinning the political and international studies discipline, which will be taught through lectures and tutorials. It will be assessed through written assessments. 		True True
2 Communication Skills
Students will be assessed on the style of writing, clarity of writing, expression and development of ideas, and referencing. Students will practise their communication skills through completing the assessment tasks. 		True True
3 Global Perspectives
Students will demonstrate an awareness of the global context of the subject area and they will develop an awareness of the need for tolerance and inter-cultural understanding. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students are encouraged to develop research skills in collecting and evaluating data, including the skills to assess the utility of information, identify the most useful sources of information and critically analyse and examine those sources. 		True True
5 Life-Long Learning
Through completing the assessments, students will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to research, write on and discuss social issues. These skills can be transferred to any discipline, and will be useful in any research positions. These attributes will be assessed in all of the assessments (written skills; analytical skills). 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students will be assessed on their ability to conceptualise the essay question and formulate a range of solutions in both research and presentation. They will be required to collect, collate and analyse relevant information to assist problem solving. 		True True
7 Social Responsibility
Students will be taught about their professional responsibilities as a researcher to provide balanced and accurate research. In addition, students will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. This will be assessed and taught through their responses to the assignment questions and discussions in online postings. 		True True True
8 Team Work
Students will practise working collaboratively and network effectively to solve problems on the online discussion board, taking initiative and leading others in this environment. They will also negotiate and assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others on the discussion board. 		True
   

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