Interdisciplinary Foundation Subject
100-188: Philosophy, Politics and Economics
This subject is offered in semester one.
Subject Description
This subject introduces students to the ways in which the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics understand and respond to the challenges of organising a democratic society. It will consider issues such as justice, governments and markets in a way that will allow each discipline to present its distinctive approach. Topics covered will include: political power and legitimacy, the value of markets, justice and human rights, the importance and measurement of individual choice and well-being. Each topic will be explored in ways that allow students to engage in analysis and evaluation of areas of major public debate about how society should be organised.
Subject Objectives
Students who complete this subject should:
- have an understanding of how theoretical insights of the three disciplines can be applied to current political problems;
- understand the types of principles that are relevant to our thinking about social justice;
- understand the links between the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics;
- be able to evaluate the role of the market in modern society;
- have an understanding of some of the main traditional and contemporary theories within the disciplines of philosophy, politics and economics.
Interdisciplinary Foundation Skills
Students who complete this subject should:
- understand a range of disciplines and methodologies appropriate to the texts, artefacts, theoretical structures and social practices with which they are concerned;
- have developed a capacity for critical thought and analysis through the construction and articulation of lucid, logical arguments;
- have developed oral and written skills through essay writing and tutorial participation;
- have acquired the tools for independent and targeted research, using library and other information services;
- have the ability to organise and manage their time through the planning of class assessments and the meeting of set due dates.