Subject details

At the completion of this subject you will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of political sociology and awareness of trends in politics;
  2. identify and canvass political problems;
  3. apply theoretical lessons and empirical studies to political situations; and
  4. use exercise generic skills in the area of research, analysis and critical evaluation, problem solving, written communication and team work skills.
    • Introduction to Power and Politics
    • Thinking About Thinking Politically
    • Society in the Midst of Econonic Crisis
    • Power, Life and Politics
    • The End of the Nation-State?
    • No Class?
    • From the Zapatistas to #OWS PLUS
    • Networks of Terror
    • Complex Citizenship
    • Global Civil Society: Dream or Reality
    • A Complex World

  • Study resources

    • Instructional methods

      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online assignment submission
      • Web links

    • Online materials

      • Printable format materials
      • Resources and Links

Others

Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.

Special requirements

No special requirements

This is a subject designed to help you understand the meaning of political power and empower you politically. If you are one of those people who say, "I'm not into politics", this subject will help you change your mind. You will be alerted to how the words, issues and activities of politicians and those who are in government have meaning and relevance to you and your life, and the lives of the people around you. Politics is not separable from the world that you and your family live in and the study of political power will help you to see and understand how politics penetrates every aspect of your life. This is because politics is about the exercise of power - Who has it? Who wants it? Who deserves it? And most importantly - who misses out? We are all into politics even if we do not know it because we have no choice. But the more we know the more we can all benefit (individually and collectively) because learning how politics works and learning about the political skills necessary to negotiate power relations is one of the greatest insights our university education can give us. We look at the politics of class, crisis, culture, the military and violence, and what the meaning of citizenship in a transnational world really is?

  • Essay 1 (40%)
  • Essay 2 (40%)
  • Online Discussion (20%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

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