ObjectivesStudents who complete the postgraduate diploma should:
* acquire knowledge of the background necessary to proceed to research work in social theory;
* develop an ability to proceed to original work in the subject;
* acquire the formal qualifications necessary to proceed to masters level work in social theory.
Academic titlePostgraduate Diploma in Arts (Social Theory)
Course description * Thesis 12,000 words (37.5 points)
* At least two core subjects in Social Theory
* Up to three elective subjects
Total 100 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.
Thesis subject
Subject Semester Credit Points
136-508 Social Theory Thesis
An approved topic will be selected in consultation with the coordinator. Semester 1, Semester 2 37.50
Core subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
136-532 Reading Texts in Social Theory
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
136-430 Theories of Modernity
In this subject images of the 'city', 'progress', 'the public' and 'the nation' will be used to establish some of the features of modernity. The way modernity is understood will also be explored through various... Semester 1 12.50
136-431 Imagined Societies
This subject critically engages with questions regarding the place of subjectivity in the constitution and organisation of social and political relations, at both the theoretical and empirical levels. It involves the study of political subjectivities... Semester 2 12.50
136-432 The Critical Imagination
This subject explores the three currents that social and critical theorising grows out of: the Enlightenment, revolutionary tradition and romanticism. It critically assesses these currents through an examination of the works of key classical critical... Semester 2 12.50
Elective subjects
Subject Semester Credit Points
121-415 Migrancy, Home and Exile
The accelerated speed, frequency and commonality of the movement of people through space is an increasingly ubiquitous feature of the modern world. Consequently, migration studies has developed as an established field of enquiry, encompassing discipl... Semester 2 12.50
131-432 Gender in Cross-Cultural Perspective
This subject surveys recent developments in feminist theory and feminist methodology within a cross-cultural context. It explores issues involved in present-day debates about feminist epistemology and knowledge, including debates surrounding the rela... Semester 1 12.50
131-547 Rethinking Rights and Global Development
This subject explores the theoretical and political issues surrounding ideas of rights and human rights, with special reference to the development process within the contemporary globalising order. It draws on recent critical, feminist and other (re)... Semester 2 12.50
106-423 Romanticism and Modernity
This subject offers an introduction to romanticism as a paradigmatic discourse of modernity, with particular emphasis on questions of gender, aesthetics and subjectivity. It also examines aspects of the role played by the ideology and discourse of ro... Semester 2 12.50
106-432 Cultural Studies in Asia
This subject will not be available in 2009 12.50
161-431 Recent European Philosophy
This subject involves a study of one or more key texts and themes in 20th century European philosophy. Students completing the subject should have achieved a critical understanding of the texts and themes discussed and be able to relate them to conte... Semester 1 12.50