PHILO315-23A (HAM)

Democracy, Justice & Equality

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Social Sciences
Philosophy

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

: anne.ferrier-watson@waikato.ac.nz
: monique.mulder@waikato.ac.nz

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: anne.ferrier-watson@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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What this paper is about

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A focused analysis of important current issues in Political Philosophy. This paper examines controversies about how our societies should be organised. These include debates on Egalitarianism, Justice, and the scope and limits of Democracy itself.
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How this paper will be taught

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This paper consists of one 1-hour lecture and one 2-hour workshop each week. They will be primarily discussion based, focusing on the readings for each week. The lecture, on Tuesdays, will work through the readings for the week and we will lead you through discussion of some of the main topics. The workshop, on Thursdays, will focus on questions *you* have, arising from the reading + Tuesday discussion.

This course is designed to adapt to the goals and preferences of each cohort, so the exact content will vary year by year depending on what you, the students, want to spend time on. Potential areas include:

  • Justice in modern democratic states;
  • The standing and treatment of Children;
  • Crime, Criminals, and Punishment;
  • The status of the Cognitively Disabled;
  • The limits and scope of Democracy;
  • Boundary drawing;
  • Globalisation;
  • Trans-nationalism;
  • The all affected interests principle;
  • Luck Egalitarianism;
  • Prioritarianism;
  • Democratic Equality.

All these issues (and more!) intersect to shape modern societies, and the nexus of theory and practice generates interesting challenges for anyone who wants to see our world improved. In this course, we explore some ways to move towards that better world.

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Required Readings

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Will all be available through Moodle.
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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary issues in Democracy, Justice, Equality
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Critically engage with modern academic work
    Linked to the following assessments:
  • Engage in detailed analysis of current debates
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  • Elucidate and defend their own positions regarding how best to structure our societies
    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessments

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How you will be assessed

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You will note that three of the pieces of assessment work together (the question/plan/essay). I will provide significant feedback on both the question development and the planning stages of this process, which should be useful to you in developing your essays themselves. Please feel free to discuss plans with me, as I want them to be useful to you in the essay writing process.
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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. The Ideal Society (1)
10 Mar 2023
5:00 PM
15
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Develop a question
7 Apr 2023
5:00 PM
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Plan your essay
5 May 2023
5:00 PM
20
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. The Ideal Society (2)
26 May 2023
5:00 PM
15
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Essay
2 Jun 2023
5:00 PM
30
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
6. Workshop Engagement
10
  • In Class: In Lecture
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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