Introduction to Political Ideas (POLS10003)

In this subject, you will explore some of the most important concepts and ideas in political thinking, with particular focus on the major traditions of Western political thought from Machiavelli to 20th century political theory. 

You will research and discuss core concepts as sovereignty, power, liberty, democracy and equality, examining how these concepts have framed political debates within the Western tradition. While some of the focus will be on the original form and contestation of these ideas in their historical context, you will  also explore  how these initial debates have led into more recent, 20th and 21st century political thinking and problems. Attention will be given to how these concepts have been taken up in ideological formations, such as liberalism, Marxism, and conservatism.    

In tutorials, you will discuss primary source texts of famous political essays, which may include: Machiavelli, 'The Prince', Rousseau, 'Origin of Inequality', Marx and Engels, 'The Communist Manifesto', Mill, 'On Liberty', Wollstonecraft, ‘Vindication of the Rights of Women’, and Fanon, 'The Wretched of the Earth'. You will learn how to critically read, evaluate and debate texts and engage with new ideas, providing a foundation for successful study in your degree. 

Introduction to Political Ideas is available as a Bachelor of Arts Discovery subject, supporting your introduction to university and fostering connections within your course. If you are taking this as your Discovery subject, you will need to concurrently complete the three compulsory Joining Melbourne modules.