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Online
Session2
Session2

Unit description

Examines the range of political ideologies within Western political thought. In particular, it explores the dynamic of the political spectrum from the Right to the Centre and to the Left. Critically evaluates Fascism, Nazism, Conservatism, Liberalism, Democratic Socialism, Communism and Anarchism. Also explores the impact of ideological shifts toward green, feminist and anti-racist theories.

Unit content

  • Context
  • Fascism and Nazism
  • Conservatism
  • Liberalism
  • Democratic Socialism
  • Communism
  • Anarchism
  • Cross-spectrum ideologies: imperialism, racism, feminism, environmentalism, fundamentalism

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1explain the range of political ideologies which exist within the context of Western political thoughtKnowledge of a discipline
2critically explain the dynamic of the ideological spectrumIntellectual rigourCreativityKnowledge of a discipline
3critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of contrasting ideologiesIntellectual rigourCreativityKnowledge of a discipline
4develop reflective positions on political theory and present these positions as coherent arguments.Intellectual rigour

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. explain the range of political ideologies which exist within the context of Western political thought
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. critically explain the dynamic of the ideological spectrum
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of contrasting ideologies
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA2: Creativity
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. develop reflective positions on political theory and present these positions as coherent arguments.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour

Prescribed texts

  • Prescribed text information is not currently available.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning 2 hours (11 weeks)
Tutorial online 1 hour (11 weeks)
Assessment
Essay50%
Exam: take home50%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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