Philosophy, Politics and Economics (UNIB10014)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will provide a foundation in ethical, political, and economic methodologies that will be bought to bear on the analysis and evaluation of the processes and institutions that shape society. Areas of major public debate concerning justice and the distribution of resources will be examined from the perspective of philosophy, politics and economics, with experts from these fields helping to develop the skills to understand and respond to the challenges in creating a healthy, just society. In particular, we will consider the nature of justice and its relation to equality and freedom; the features and morality of a free market; how we should distribute health resources; the ethics of climate change; and what moral obligations we have to the wellbeing of those in other countries.
Intended learning outcomes
Students completing this subject should:
- appreciate how the theoretical insights and methodological tools of all three disciplines can be applied to the analysis of complex issues;
- be able to demonstrate knowledge of the links between the disciplines, as well as the way in which their perspectives can both cohere and conflict;
- understand some of the main traditional and contemporary theories within the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics;
- be able to evaluate the role of the market in modern society from an economic and philosophical standpoint;
- appreciate different principles that are relevant to thinking about social justice.
Generic skills
Students will develop skills in:
- critical thought, communication, research and organisation;
- the construction and evaluation of normative arguments;
- the analysis of complex issues;
- the identification and use of different theoretical frameworks as they are employed to address issues of social justice, freedom, and equality;
- the ability to analyse concepts and understand the theoretical commitments and practical consequences that follow from them.
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
A short essay
| Week 4 | 20% |
A longer essay
| Week 7 | 30% |
A written exam
| During the examination period | 50% |
Hurdle Requirement Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. | From Week 1 to Week 12 | N/A |
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Holly Lawford-Smith Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 9 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
Last updated: 9 April 2025