PL2003:04
*NOTE* The State: Theory and Comparative Analysis
Townsville, Cairns
Prerequisites: 3 units of level 1 PL subjects or equivalent
Inadmissable Subject Combination: PL3003
52 lectures/tutorials. First semester.
Staff: Dr S Maisrikrod.
No individual can escape the state. But what is the pervasive state? This subject will first examine state power and competing state theories: Liberal-Pluralist, Elitist, Corporatist and Marxist. It will also discuss explicitly the role of the state in the political community and its relationship with other societal forces, including social movements, non-governmental organisations and businesses. Second, the subject will apply the various theories of the state to analyse, from a comparative perspective, systems, processes and policies of selected countries from both the developing and industrialised worlds. Some emphasis will be given to considering the policy responses of different states to the various challenges, such as privatisation and economic rationalism, international economic interdependence and globalisation, which are currently confronting the state.
Learning Objectives:
- provide students with an understanding of the nature, development and the roles of the state;
- enable students to conceptualise the state and to identify various forms and functions of the state;
- equip students with more advanced skills in comparative politics;
- enhance students’ skills appropriate to analysing politics and public policy.
Assessment by a combination of a seminar presentation, essay and an examination, weightings to be decided after consultation with students.