PL2001:04
Approaching Political Science
Townsville
Prerequisites: 3 units of level 1 HI or PL subjects
Inadmissable Subject Combination: PL1303
26 lectures, 13 tutorials. First semester.
Staff: Assoc. Professor H Lesbirel.
This subject introduces students to theoretical approaches and methods in the political science discipline. It explores the key approaches (normative, institutional, behavioural, rational choice, feminist, and discourse), and methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, and comparative) used in the study of political science. It will relate these approaches and methods to competing theories of the state. Particular attention will be paid to giving students a systematic exposure to the fundamentals of the discipline. Some use will be made of political games and political comedies to reinforce and integrate these core theoretical concerns of the discipline.
Learning Objectives:
- to understand key theoretical and methodological aspects of the politics discipline;
- to evaluate critically competing approaches and methods in the study of politics;
- to conceptualise about politics and to enhance analytic skills.
Assessment by research essay, tutorial presentations and examination; the respective weights to be determined after consultation with students.
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