Students

FOAR707 – Neoliberalism and Its Discontents

2018 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Pauline Johnson
AHH-16 University Avenue
By appointment
Adminstration
Sandey Fitzgerald
Lecturer
Noah Bassil
Contact via +61-2-9850-8811
Y3A-10 Hadenfeld Avenue, 225
tba
Lecturer
Jean-Philippe Deranty
Contact via +61-2-9850-6773
AHH - 16 University Avenue, 2 North
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces key themes and theorists in contemporary social and political theory. In particular, it will explore competing diagnoses and responses to the winding back of the post-war compromises between democratic states and corporate capitalism. Rather than taking a serial approach to a study of social and political theories, the unit will focus on their, at times diametrically opposed, configurations of this broad problem complex. In an epoch in which neoliberal agendas have both provoked, and perhaps also been facilitated by, the surge of populist politics across the globe, we look to contemporary social and political theories to help us make sense of new developments, to diagnose their costs and unravel future potentials. Can social democratic reformism survive the era of Trump, Brexit and Hanson? Organised as a workshop series, the unit will draw from leading theorists such as: Agamben, Balibar, Boltanski, Brown, Chakrabarty, Fraser, Foucault, Habermas, Honneth. Examining a problematic that is of foundational importance in much current social and political research, this unit is relevant to students across the humanities and social sciences. It will extend and complement the existing Mres units SOCI703, ‘Social Theory and Policy’, POIR704 ‘Global Political Economy’ and can be taken as a progression or stand-alone unit.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Articulate a clear and coherent argument in written form to a variety of audiences
  • Think critically and make informed judgements of the arguments of others to arrive and reasoned and meaningful arguments and apply new ideas to new contexts
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills to make decisions in the context of professional practice and scholarship
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

General Assessment Information

The unit will combine short lectures from each of three staff and inclusive seminar discussions on each of the topics. The assessment tasks follow a scaffolding design in which each task builds upon and extends the previous one. 

As a graduate class, students will be expected to not only comprehend and have the capacity to reproduce complex theoretical approaches, they will be required to develop the capacity to rationally arbitrate on the value and the success of different theoretical approaches to the same 'problem complex': the rise of neoliberal market thinking and the demise of social democratic expectations. This capacity to critically evaluate and compare the success and worth of major social and political theories will be assessed in the major research essay. 

Late Penalty Policy

Unless a Disruption to Studies request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participation Assessment 30% No Week 6 & Week 13
Theory Choice: A Defence 20% No Friday Week 9
Research Essay 50% No Friday Week 13

Participation Assessment

Due: Week 6 & Week 13
Weighting: 30%

You will be required to complete a workbook that includes your annotations of the set readings and your reflections on the weekly topic. The workbook will take the form of a weekly blog, visible only to you and the markers. It will be assessed on what it shows of your preparation for and contributions to the weekly seminars. You should aim to write at least 1.5 pages, but no more than 2 pages per entry, in advance of the seminar session.

Workbooks will be reviewed in Week 6, and submitted for final grading by 5pm on Friday of Week 13.  


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Think critically and make informed judgements of the arguments of others to arrive and reasoned and meaningful arguments and apply new ideas to new contexts
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills to make decisions in the context of professional practice and scholarship
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

Theory Choice: A Defence

Due: Friday Week 9
Weighting: 20%

Students will be required to offer a short defence of the theory(ies) they find best able to make sense of and guide us through the problem complex that is our key topic. This task, reflection on the theory choice for the research essays, will be under constant discussion in class. 

Essay Format: Formal essay in style. Font: Times New Roman or Palatino Linotype; Font size: 12; Line spacing: min 1.5; Margins: Left: 3cm; Right: 3cm; Top: 2.5cm; Bottom: 2.5cm. Your submission should be fully and appropriately referenced. Submission is through Turnitin.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate a clear and coherent argument in written form to a variety of audiences
  • Think critically and make informed judgements of the arguments of others to arrive and reasoned and meaningful arguments and apply new ideas to new contexts
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

Research Essay

Due: Friday Week 13
Weighting: 50%

Students are required to produce a 4,000 word research-based essay that compares the approach of two of the theorists or topics discussed in the unit. The essay must be fully referenced according to the style set for the unit.

You should discuss your proposed topics, approach, and schedule with one of the staff by week 8. The essay must be submitted via Turnitin by Friday of Week 13.

Essay Format: Formal essay in style. Font: Times New Roman or Palatino Linotype; Font size: 12; Line spacing: min 1.5; Margins: Left: 3cm; Right: 3cm; Top: 2.5cm; Bottom: 2.5cm.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Articulate a clear and coherent argument in written form to a variety of audiences
  • Think critically and make informed judgements of the arguments of others to arrive and reasoned and meaningful arguments and apply new ideas to new contexts
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills to make decisions in the context of professional practice and scholarship
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

Delivery and Resources

Technologies used. This unit has a presence on iLearn (ilearn.mq.edu.au) and you will be required to have regular access to a reliable broadband internet connection and a computer.

Format: The unit will combine short lectures from each of three staff and inclusive seminar discussions on each of the topics. The assessment tasks follow a scaffolding design in which each task builds upon and extends the previous one. 

Workbook: a workbook/blog is set up under Assessments for you to use. Your entries will not be visible to any other student.

Readings: You will find these listed on the unit's iLearn page. Where possible, readings will be provided through Unit Readings in the Library, or will be directly made available in the required session on the iLearn page.

Unit Schedule

Weekly schedule

SECTION 1: What is Neoliberalism? Where does it come from? How did it emerge? What does it look like?

Session 1

Understanding Neoliberalism - Jean-Philippe Deranty

Session 2

Untangling Neoliberalism from Globalization - Noah Bassil

Session  3

Neoliberalism as a Mode of Political Rationality - Pauline Johnson

SECTION 2: Neoliberalism: Reshaping the Lived

Session 4

Work in the Neoliberal Age (1): new precariousness - Jean-Philippe Deranty

Session 5

Work in the Neoliberal Age (2): neoliberal subjectivities - Jean-Philippe

Session 6

Race (1) - Noah

Session 7

Race (2) - Noah

Session 8

Women and Neoliberalism: Costs, Beneficiaries, Critics? - Pauline

SECTION 3: Political Responses

Session  9

Populism: Fighting Back Against Neoliberalism? - Jean-Philippe

Session  10

Populism and Neoliberalism: a Common Cause? - Pauline

Session 11

Can (and ought) Social Democracy be Retrieved? Key Theorist: Jurgen Habermas - Pauline

Session 12

Retrieving Social Democracy? Key theorist: Honneth - Jean Philippe 

Session 13

Neoliberalism and its Futures - Noah

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate a clear and coherent argument in written form to a variety of audiences
  • Think critically and make informed judgements of the arguments of others to arrive and reasoned and meaningful arguments and apply new ideas to new contexts
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills to make decisions in the context of professional practice and scholarship
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

Assessment tasks

  • Participation Assessment
  • Theory Choice: A Defence
  • Research Essay

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills to make decisions in the context of professional practice and scholarship
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

Assessment tasks

  • Participation Assessment
  • Theory Choice: A Defence
  • Research Essay

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate a clear and coherent argument in written form to a variety of audiences
  • Think critically and make informed judgements of the arguments of others to arrive and reasoned and meaningful arguments and apply new ideas to new contexts
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills to make decisions in the context of professional practice and scholarship
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

Assessment tasks

  • Participation Assessment
  • Theory Choice: A Defence
  • Research Essay

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate a clear and coherent argument in written form to a variety of audiences
  • Think critically and make informed judgements of the arguments of others to arrive and reasoned and meaningful arguments and apply new ideas to new contexts
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

Assessment tasks

  • Theory Choice: A Defence
  • Research Essay

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Articulate a clear and coherent argument in written form to a variety of audiences
  • Think critically and make informed judgements of the arguments of others to arrive and reasoned and meaningful arguments and apply new ideas to new contexts

Assessment tasks

  • Participation Assessment
  • Theory Choice: A Defence
  • Research Essay

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate the ability to apply accumulated knowledge and skills to make decisions in the context of professional practice and scholarship
  • Demonstrate high standards of ethical conduct in research activities and relationship

Assessment task

  • Research Essay