Approaches to Comparative Politics (POLS90024)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019
About this subject
Overview
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The principal aim of this subject is to provide an awareness and advanced critique of the major post-war (WWII) theories, approaches and methodologies in the sub-discipline of political science known as 'comparative politics'. Methods of comparing very different kinds of political unit are considered. The term unit is broadly understood, to include, for instance, political systems, political ideologies and political cultures.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject students should:
- be familiar with the main developments in the sub-discipline since 1945;
- be able to provide a critical overview of each of the discrete developments identified;
- be capable of deciding which, if any, of the approaches will be of greatest value to them in their own subsequent research or work programs.
Generic skills
- Research: through competent use of the library and other information sources (inc. online), and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research.
- Critical Thinking and Analysis: through recommended reading, briefing and essay writing, and seminar discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument.
- Thinking in Theoretical Terms: through seminar discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.
- Thinking Creatively: through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations, conceptualising theoretical problems, forming judgements and arguments from conflicting evidence and by critical analysis.
- Understanding of Social, Ethical and Cultural Context: through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.
- Communicating Knowledge Intelligibly and Economically: through briefing and essay writing, and seminar discussion.
- Written Communication: through briefing and essay preparation and writing.
- Oral Presentation: through seminar discussion and informal class presentations.
- Time Management and Planning: through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion.
- Group Work: through group discussions.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Politics and International Studies at Undergraduate level
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: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- 2 x 500-word briefing papers (10% each) due during the semester.
- A 3000 word research essay (60%) due towards the end of semester.
- A 1000 word briefing paper (20%) due during the examination period.
- Hurdle requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject and regular class participation is expected.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
Not available in 2019
Time commitment details
Total of 170 hours
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Readings will be provided online through the subject's LMS site prior to the commencement of semester.
Recommended texts and other resources
Either
- D. Caramani (ed.), Comparative Politics (2011) - an introduction to comparative politics, but one that is suitable at the postgraduate level - for those students with little background in political science
Or
- M. Lichbach & A. Zuckerman (eds.), Comparative Politics: Rationality, Culture & Structure (2nd ed.)(2009) - an advanced book, for those who have already studied comparative politics.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Specialisation (formal) Politics and International Studies Informal specialisation Politics and International Studies Informal specialisation PD-ARTS Politics and International Studies - Links to additional information
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Additional information for this subject
Subject coordinator approval required
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 3 November 2022