Radicals & Reactionaries introduces students to themes and ideas at the ideological extremes of world politics. The mainstream of international relations theory has long been divided between liberals and realists, attended by social constructivists, and a handful of less mainstream positions. This course will survey ideological positions to the political extremes on either side, and beyond. We will begin by considering leftist and revolutionary radicalisms, including radical Marxisms, anarchisms, and revolutionary ideas in the anticolonial tradition. In the second half of the course, we will consider conservative and reactionary international thought. The course readings will draw on theoretical works in these traditions, along with relevant secondary literature and linkages to research in IR and international history.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand concepts and debates in radical and reactionary ideologies
- Critically evaluate texts in radical and reactionary political thought
- Apply these frameworks to assess ideologies in world politics
- Develop strong written and oral communication skills in order to analyse and discuss radical and reactionary ideas and texts
Indicative Assessment
- Please note that this assessment is indicative only. The actual assessment for the course is provided in the Class Summary prior to the commencement of the semester in which the course is being conducted and may differ from this assessment. (null) [LO null]
- Course Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Quiz (10) [LO 1,3]
- Research Essay (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final Exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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Workload
Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars as well as associated preparation, independent study, and assessment time.
Inherent Requirements
N/A
Prescribed Texts
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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