It sometimes seems as if, as the British journalist Paul Mason puts it, 'it's all going off'. The uncertain aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the rise - or return - of authoritarian great powers, the existential challenge presented by climate change, and depressingly frequent experiences of war, revolution and terrorism speak to high levels of global turbulence. This course examines a central element within this turbulent environment - movements around the world that seek to generate a different social order: national, international, global. These movements range from advocates of climate justice to militant Salafists. We examine their ideologies, tactics and goals, explore their similarities and differences, and assess their chances of success. Our overarching aim is to assess whether these movements are likely to intensify levels of global turbulence or whether they might help to generate a new world order.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the diverse ways in which contemporary radical movements understand, legitimise and practice their struggles.
- Critically analyse how radical movements have emerged in contemporary world politics, and when and how they are likely to succeed.
- Critically evaluate different types of radical movement: left and right, unarmed and violent, centralised and decentralised, and more.
- Develop the analytical, written and oral skills that can provide an assessment of the relationship between radical movements and contemporary world order.
- Identify and critically evaluate the central challenges presented by radical movements to global order. (This applies to all 5 assessments).
- Prepare critically informed written and oral work appropriate for postgraduate research and professional engagement in public policy, diplomacy, and related fields. (This applies to all 5 assessments).
Indicative Assessment
- Seminar participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Write a manifesto for a radical movement (1,500 words) (25) [LO 1,2,4]
- Capstone presentation (15) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Essay plan (1,000 words) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research essay (3,000words) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars, lectures, as well as associated preparation, independent study, and assessment time.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
Further information on prescribed texts will be provided via Wattle.
Preliminary Reading
Colin Beck et al (2022) On Revolutions (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Erica Chenoweth (2021) Civil Resistance: What Everyone Needs to Know (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Andreas Malm (2021) How to Blow Up a Pipeline (London: Verso)
Sharon Nepstad (2015) Nonviolent Struggle (Oxford: Oxford University Press).
Doug McAdam et al (2001) Dynamics of Contention (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press).
Vicky Osterweil (2020) In Defence of Looting (New York: Bold).
The Constitution of the Rojava Cantons (2014): http://civiroglu.net/the-constitution-of-the-rojava-cantons/
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3453 | 17 Feb 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | 23 May 2025 | In Person | N/A |
