1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

structuralist, post-structuralist and other European
approaches to culture, and the conflicts between the
proponents of these different approaches.
Recommended reading
Please consult with lecturer before buying recommended reading.
Alexander, J. and Seidman, S. (eds) Culture and Society,
Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1990
Bronner, S.E. and Kellner, D.M. (eds) Critical Theory and Society
A Reader. New York, Routledge, 1989
Dupre, L. Mam's Social Critique of Culture. New Haven, Yale
University Press, 1983
Lodge, D. Modwn Criticism and Theory A Reader. London, New
York, Longman, 1988
*AH205 Social Philosophy, Politics and
Ethics
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: one ofAH100,
AHIOI, AHIO2, AHlO3 or approved equivalent
Assessment: continuous and by examination
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
The focus of this subject is the analysis and critical appraisal
of contemporary social and political discourse. In addressing
g the central issues, two broad approaches (or a combination
2 of these) may be adopted the modernity/postmodernity
U debate, directly engaged through exploration of the
E. positions defended by such contemporary thinkers as
t;
Habermas and Foucault; or the issues approached from an
historical perspective via exploration of a range of positions
from Plato to the present.
Recommended reading
Consult with the lecturer before buying any books, as the
recommended texts change depending on the orientation adopted
in the course. But the following are likely to be useful.
Beilharz, P. (ed.), Social Theory A Guide to Central Thinkers.
Sydney, Allen & Unwin, 1992
Bernstein, R. The New Constellation, MIT Press, 1992.
Skinner, Q. (ed.), The Return of Grand Theory in the Human
Sciences , Cambridge University Press, 1985
*Not available to students who have previously passed
AH200 Moral and Political Philosophy.
*AH206 Society, Culture, and Resources
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: one ofAH100,
AH101, AHIO2, AH103 or approved equivalent
Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
Resources, people, survival, and development within the
general framework of social history this course emphasises
the interaction between technology, social change and the
environment from ancient to modern times. Politics,
economics, religion, values, traditions, social structures,
education, relations with neighbours, knowledge, skills and
the natural environment are factors which combine to
influence the course of human development. Issues
considered are the moral dilemmas of industrial societies,
particularly problems of pollution and environment control.
Recommended reading
Please consult with lecturer before buying recommended M.
Buchanan, R.A. History and Industrial Civilisation. London,
Macmillan, 1979
Basalla, G. The Evolution of Techlogy. Cambridge, Cambridge
University Press, 1988
~ickson,'~. ~lt~ernative Technology. London, FontandCollins,
1974
Mokyr, J. The Lever of Riches. New York, Oxford University
Press, 1990
Mumford, L. The Myth of the Machine Technics and Human
Development. London, Secker and Warburg, 1967
* Not available to students who have previously passed
AH202 Technology and Society.
AH301 Rationality
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: two of AA208,
AH201, AH202, AH203, AH204, AH205, AH206, or
approved equivalents Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
This subject engages the contemporary debate about the
meaning and value of rationality. The issues considered
include the problem of the rational justification of beliefs
and actions in a way which does justice to our status as
situated human agents; the relationship between rationality
and scientific inquiry, and between western rationality and
the rationality of other cultures; the problem of relativism;
and the links between rationality and human well-being.
Recommended reading
Please consult with lecturer before buying recommended reading.
Brown, H. Rationality. London, Routledge, 1990
Rescher, N. Rationality. Oxford, Clarendon Press, 1988
Wilson, B. (ed.) Rationality. Oxford, Blackwell, 1970
AH306 Practical Ethics
3 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequisite: two of AA208,
AH201, AH202, AH203, AH204, AH205, AH206, or
approved equivalents Assessment: continuous
A subject in the Bachelor of Arts
Objectives and Content
This subject attempts to develop an understanding of the
process of moral decision making, with a view to improving the
ability of participants to form ethical judgements and to be
tolerant of the judgements of others.
Presently, the two main areas of discussion are the moral
value of human beines - and environmental ethics. Further
areas may be added in future years.
Recommended reading
Please consult with lecturer before buying recommended readq.
De Marco, J. and F.R. New Directions in Ethics. New York,
Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1986
Elliot, R. and Gare, A. Environmental Philosophy. Brisbane,
University of Queensland Press, 1983
Gare, A. Nihilism Incorporated. Canberra, Eco-Logical Press,1993.
MacIntyre, A. After Virtue. 2nd edn, Notre Dame, University of
Notre Dame Press, 1984