Graduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy and Social Theory)
ObjectivesStudents who complete the graduate diploma should:
* Demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
* Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex changing social contexts;
* Act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the work force;
* Communicate effectively;
* Commit to continuous learning;
* Be proficient in the use of appropriate modern technologies, such as the computer and other information technology systems, for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of data.
Academic titleGraduate Diploma in Arts (Philosophy and Social Theory)
Course descriptionSpecialisation Requirements:
* elective subjects with no more than 12.5 points at first-year level to a total of 100 points
Core subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
161-021 From Hermeneutics to Derrida
This subject studies the theories of meaning and interpretation developed in contemporary European thought. It examines questions such as: What is it to interpret a text? How does an interpretation differ from a deconstruction? Is the meaning of a te... Semester 1 12.50
161-217 Kant's Metaphysics of Experience
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
136-073 Critical Theories
The aim of this subject is to introduce students to and critically examine the major debates in contemporary critical theories from Western Marxism to postmodernism. These critical theories include the German Frankfurt School, French poststructuralis... Semester 2 12.50
136-077 Psychoanalysis and Social Theory
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
First year elective subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
161-111 Great Ideas in Philosophy
This subject introduces and examines several famous ideas in Western philosophy, from various periods and traditions but with important recurring concerns including the scope of human reason, the case for religious belief, the nature of morality, and... Semester 2 12.50
Second/Third-year elective subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
161-012 Political Thought
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
161-013 Political Philosophy
This subject focuses on recent developments in political philosophy. Specific topics to be discussed may include: distributive justice; patriotism and preference for co-national; international justice; humanitarian intervention; liberalism; democrati... Semester 2 12.50
161-020 Phenomenology
This subject is a study of some classic texts and major themes in the 20th century philosophical traditions of phenomenology and existentialism. Themes to be discussed will include consciousness and perception, being-in-the-world, embodiment, truth a... Semester 2 12.50
161-052 Ideas of Utopia
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
161-214 The Philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
136-037 Biotechnology in Modern Society
This subject will introduce students to selected research and commercial applications of modern biotechnology in order to discuss the broader issues that arise from them. A range of topics will be covered in this subject, which may include the recomb... Semester 2 12.50
136-040 The Ways of Science
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
136-074 Modernity Revolution to Social Movements
This subject is primarily concerned with the ideas about society that have anchored the disciplines of sociology and social theory in the 19th and 20th centuries. It critically assesses these ideas through an examination of the works of key social th... Semester 1 12.50
136-076 Social Theory and Political Analysis
This subject involves the study of theory and empirical research in social and political relations, culture and ideology, and human subjectivity and action. Students who complete this subject should possess an awareness of the ways in which social th... Semester 1 12.50
161-024 Biomedical Ethics
The development and increasing prestige of modern medicine continues to generate ethical controversy. This subject will provide a way of making sense of these controversies: it will consider the nature of health, illness and disease, and discuss a nu... Semester 2 12.50