Imagined Societies (SOTH40002)

HonoursPoints: 12.5Not available in 2019

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Overview

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This subject critically engages with questions regarding the place of subjectivity in the organisation of social and political relations, at both the theoretical and empirical levels. It investigates the ways in which discourses and subjectivities interact. Through critical engagement with such theorists as Freud, Klein, Lacan, Castoriadis, Kristeva, Butler, Zizek, Fanon, Nandy, Beck, Bauman, Giddens and Habermas, the subject highlights the place of the imaginary and the unconscious in the formation of ideologies and subjectivities. Through postcolonial theory issues of colonial and postcolonial identities are explored. Students completing this subject should possess knowledge of some major contemporary debates regarding the formation and organisation of subjectivities, an understanding of the centrality of subjectivity to the organisation of social and political relations, an awareness of the difficulties associated with analysing subjectivities in late or postmodernity, and an acquaintance with attempts to bring contemporary theories of subjectivity to the study of empirical cases.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject will:



  • possess knowledge of some major contemporary debates regarding the formation, structure and organisation of subjectivities;
  • possess an understanding of the centrality of subjectivity to the organisation of social and political relations;
  • possess an awareness of some contemporary approaches to the study of political subjectivities including ethnicity, race and gender;
  • possess an awareness of the difficulties associated with analysing subjectivities in high or post-modernity;
  • possess an acquaintance with some attempts to bring contemporary theories of subjectivity to the study of empirical cases, be these individuals, institutions, groups or societies.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should:

  • develop skills in written and oral communication;
  • conduct independent research;
  • make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;
  • form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Recommended background knowledge

Students enrolling in this subject must have completed a Bachelor of Arts degree or equivalent.

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

  • Class participation and contribution (10%).
  • An oral presentation and a 1000 word seminar paper (15%) due during the semester.
  • A research essay of 4000 words (75%) due during the examination period.
  • Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in class is required.
  • Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10 marks per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

 

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

Last updated: 3 November 2022