2009 Course Handbook
POL391: Politics: Theories and Methods
This unit is centred on the question, 'what is political science?' Different approaches to the study of politics will be examined. In the first half of the course we will consider questions such as whether there can be a science of politics, and if so, what that would amount to; are political concepts 'essentially contested'?; and, has a pre-occupation with methodology hindered political enquiry? The second half of the course will examine issues such as whether politics has a distinctive subject matter, the distinction between qualitative and quantitative research, and the nature of evidence in political science research. While the material is philosophically oriented, it also contains an applied element and will be of value to any students contemplating doing honours in politics.
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | 3 |
| When Offered: | D1 - Day; Offered in the first half-year |
| Staff Contact: | Politics staff |
| Prerequisites: | 40cp |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | |
| Unit Designations: | Social Science |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Department of Modern History, Politics, International Relations and Security |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.