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
This unit is a close study of texts of central importance in the development of modern Western political thought – Plato's Crito, Thomas Hobbes' Leviathan, John Locke's Second Treatise of Civil Government, Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract, Mary Wollstonecraft's Vindication of the Rights of Woman, and John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism, On Liberty, and The Subjection of Women. We shall consider both historical and contemporary responses to these texts, together with their influence on later thinkers. We shall also consider how the ideas set out in these texts continue to inform debates over a range of real-world political controversies.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 core unit in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics; Human Rights major sequences
- Level 2 option in the Philosophy major sequence
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) independently interpret complex texts; (2) demonstrate an understanding of complex philosophical arguments and positions concerning Western political thought; (3) evaluate complex philosophical positions and argument concerning Western political thought; (4) demonstrate advanced written communication and research skills; (5) communicate an understanding of the field of the history of Western political thought, its central preoccupations, and its main methodologies; and (6) utilise the various methodologies of political philosophy to analyse, compare and evaluate texts.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) essay; (2) examination; and (3) tutorial participation and quizzes. 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
- Unit rules
- Incompatibility
- POLS3311 History of Political Ideas.
POLS2211 History of Political Ideas
- Contact hours
- 2 x 45 minute online lectures per week, 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week
- 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.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.