The course examines the interface between ethics and culture in contemporary world politics. It first considers how ethics and culture are expressed by, and exercise influence on, states and other actors in world politics. Particular attention is given to the nature of moral communities and the tensions between universal and plural conceptions of what is ‘good'. What, for instance, are the points of conflict between cultural pluralism and human rights? The second major concern of the course is justice, focusing on restorative justice and the role of truth and reconciliation commissions in rebuilding societies emerging from conflict, the extent of obligations to distant strangers, and the political and moral challenges raised by foreign aid practices. The third area of concern is with legitimacy, representation and self-determination in cross-cultural political struggles. Examination of this is centred on indigenous peoples and the international indigenous movement. The course closes with discussion of the idea of a dialogue across cultures and how such dialogues might be realized in practice.

5,000 - 6,000 words of written assessment, comprising essays, seminar papers and an examination as deemed appropriate by the lecturer.

8 hours per week: two for seminar attendance, and six for reading and writing. Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.

Delivery Mode:

2nd semester 2009, on campus, seminar-style.