Studying online
There are now 3 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Units available in Online Restricted mode have been adapted for online study only for those students who require the unit to complete their studies and who are unable to attend campus owing to exceptional circumstances beyond their control. To be enrolled in a unit in Online Restricted mode, students should contact their Student Advising Office through askUWA
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
Much work in contemporary political theory, together with much real-world political contestation, has to do with questions of social justice. This course surveys the most influential accounts of the nature of social justice developed over the past half-century. It also considers their application to a series of real-world controversies, including the rights of the disabled, private education, redistributive taxation, global poverty, immigration, freedom of speech, gender equality, pornography, civil disobedience, and democracy.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 core unit in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics; Human Rights major sequences
- Level 3 option in the Philosophy major sequence
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) independently interpret complex philosophical texts
; (2) demonstrate an understanding of complex philosophical arguments and positions concerning social justice; (3) evaluate complex philosophical positions and argument concerning social justice; (4) weigh the virtues and vices of competing philosophical doctrines concerning social justice; (5) construct persuasive arguments concerning difficult philosophical issues concerning social justice; (6) demonstrate advanced written communication and research skills; (7) reflect on the nature and purpose of philosophy and philosophical argumentation; (8) communicate an understanding of the subfield of contemporary normative political theory, through familiarity with contemporary approaches to social justice; (9) identify and describe the foundational values from which the various approaches to social justice proceed, together with the tensions among and controversies concerning these values; and (10) demonstrate the importance of normative ideas in public policy, and analyse the influence of normative ideas in debates about public policy.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) written work; (2) tutorial presentation and participation; and (3) examination. 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
- Prerequisites
- any Level 2 POLS
or PHIL unit
or PPHE2211 History of Political Ideas - Incompatibility
- POLS2227 Contemporary Political Theory.
POLS3327 Contemporary Political Theory
- Contact hours
- lectures: 20 hours
tutorials: 9 hours
- 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.
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.