166-123 The World is an Amazing Place

Formerly available as 166-009. Students who have completed 166-009 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject addresses the problems posed in the attempt to understand cultures other than one's own. It focuses principally on the non-West and the explanatory role of categories such as race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, progress and development. Students who successfully complete this subject should be able to demonstrate a knowledge of some of the issues raised by the attempt to study another culture; understand and assess a range of arguments which seek to expand the meaning of the political; understand how, and by whom, a culture is represented in a variety of texts, including novels, film and scholarly works; develop relevant knowledge and skills on which to base further studies in politics or cultural studies; and demonstrate an improved facility in researching and writing essays and presenting arguments in class.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

A research essay of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester) and a 2 hour examination 50% (during the examination period).