Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The operation of the economic market has profound effects - good and bad - for individuals in every society, around the world. The aim of this unit is to consider these effects from three distinct disciplinary perspectives - philosophy, politics, and economics. Topics covered may include markets in sex and drugs, the relationship between the market and democracy, sweatshops, inequality, taxation, and justice in the workplace. We shall see how adopting an interdisciplinary, integrated perspective on these issues can help us understand them in a more sophisticated way.

Note: this is an issues-based unit that is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary introduction to the topics discussed, and to provide a general introduction to the methods of philosophy, economics, and political science. Students seeking a more rigorous introduction to these areas should consider each discipline's respective first-year offerings (e.g. POLS1101, ECONS1101, PHIL1001).

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 core unit in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics major sequence
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify major issues at the intersection of philosophy, political science, and economics; (2) interpret philosophical and social-scientific texts; (3) reason in a constructive and cooperative way about polarising economic and political issues; (4) show how multiple disciplinary perspectives can fruitfully be brought to bear on complex social problems; and (5) use skills in oral and written communication.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class assessment; (2) essay; and (3) exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Lachlan Umbers
Contact hours
1 x 2 hour lecture per week (12 weeks), 1 x 1 hour workshop per week (11 weeks)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.