This course examines the proposition that the Western political-philosophical tradition is based on conscious lying. Political philosophers and theorists such as Plato, Machiavelli, Nietzsche (maybe), Strauss and members of the neoconservative persuasion have tried to keep certain truths from the public lest they lead to social decay. The first part of the course explores this strand of thought and is concerned with understanding how and why lying has become central to politics as we know it.

The second part of the course looks at lies from the bottom up, drawing from the ideas of Antonio Gramsci, Michel de Certeau and James C. Scott. It asks why ordinary people might invest in their own tactical fictions. At the end of the course we will revisit and scrutinise the initial proposition and, whether we agree with it or not, ask how we might be more ethical and honest in politics and in the university.

On satisfying the requirements for this course, students will

• have the knowledge and skills to analyse different political philosophies and theories of deception and
• consider ways to enhance honesty and ethics in the public sphere.

Students have two options:

Article analysis (oral presentation equivalent to 750 words) (10%);  2,500 word essay (45%); Formal Examination (45%)

OR

Article analysis (oral presentation equivalent to 750 words) (10%); formal examination (90%)

A 2 hour lecture and a 2 hour tutorial for 8 weeks.  The lecture theatre will be booked for 3 hours to allow for occasional films and additional discussion.  Additional ninth and tenth weeks will be dedicated to online essay focused discussion groups and face-to-face small group research seminars.

In addition to the contact hours, an average of 6 hours per week should be spent preparing for tutorials for the assessment pieces.

Two first year political science courses or EURO1004 and POLS1005 or with the permission of the lecturer.

George Orwell's 1984